June 2011

L I F E S T Y L E | J U N E May 2 0 1 1 2011 1

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LIFESTYLE | JUNE 2011

2744 West Main, Visalia, CA 93291

559-667-4304

Visaliasmiles.com

LIFESTYLE | JUNE 2011

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PAGE

24 The Valov Home: How A House Becomes Home

CULINARY

8

Letter from the Executive Editor

A New Twist On Classic Corn Corn gets a summer makeover

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Business Cents: Life Insurance Offers

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Word Play

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Local Adventure: Whitewater Rafting

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16

Literary Arts: Tim Hernandez

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Business Profile: Smiles By Sullivan

ARTS

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Travel: Adams Morgan

Fukami Sueharu Fukami: Purity of Form exhibit at the Clark Center

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Fashion: Shift Into Neutral

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Kudos

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Happenings

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20 NEXT GEN Eric Blain Swim, Bike, Run: The Triathlon

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LIFESTYLE | JUNE 2011

ON THE COVER: For the master suite in the Jimi and Tammy Valov home in Tulare, overthe-top Victorian opulence characterizes this replica of the beds that were the ornate crown jewels of the Titanic’s Victorian Suites.

TOP: The rear garden of the Valov home in Tulare features a colonnaded outdoor entertainment room with swim-up bar.

JUNE 2011 PUBLISHED BY DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 EDITORIAL Executive Editor Karen Tellalian Assistant Editor TAYLOR VAUGHN Copy Editor DARA FISK-EKANGER Content Editor Kyndal Kennedy ART & PRODUCTION Creative Director FERNANDO X. GOMEZ CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jillian Bos Aaron Collins Cheryl Dieter Crystal R. R. Edwards Lisa McEwen Diane Slocum BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Malkasian Accountancy LLP Gary Malkasian CPA JEFFREY Malkasian EA Office Administrator Maria Gaston ADVERTISING SALES Advertising Director Bridget Elmore SALES OFFICE 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • Fax 559.738.0909 E-mail: lifestyle@dmiagency.com

RACK LOCATIONS

Borders Books Music & Cafè DMI Agency Evolutions Fitness Center, Tulare Tazzaria Coffee & Tea Tulare County Library The Lifestyle Center Visalia Chamber of Commerce Visalia Coffee Company Visalia Convention Center COUNTERTOP LOCATIONS

210 Cafe Advanced Laser Clinics Bravo Farms Cheese Factory Creekside Day Spa & Wellness Center Exeter Chamber of Commerce Exeter Golf Course Holiday Inn Kaweah Delta Hospital Red Carpet Car Wash Sequoia Laser Aesthetics Smiles by Sullivan Tiffany’s Luxury Medispa Tulare Chamber of Commerce V Medical Spa Velvet Sky Visalia Community Bank (Downtown) Visalia Eye Center Visalia Imaging & Open MRI Visalia Marriott Visalia Medical Clinic Wildflower Cafe-Exeter Dr. Keith Williams Williams, Jordan, Brodersen & Pritchett, Attorneys at Law Windows Plus, Inc.

See us online at advertisewithdirect.com/lifestyle

Facebook.com/LifestyleMag

LEFT: The ‘70s-era ranch bones of the Valov’s Tulare home remain visible, although repurposed to suit the Santa Barbara-style leanings.

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 © 2011 DMI Agency

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LIFESTYLE | JUNE 2011

Show the World Your Smile.

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We offer comprehensive care for the whole family: • periodontal care • restorative work • latest in advanced teeth whitening • laser treatment methods • orthodontics - braces and invisalign

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Mariya Grigoryan, D.M.D. 2634 W. Walnut Ave. Visalia CA 93277 p 559.732.7224

LIFEST YLE | OC TOBER 2010

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EDITOR NOTE

Photo by Becca Chavez | Hair and Make-up provided by Velvet Sky

O

h, the month of June; it’s always so filled with celebration. Between Father’s Day, graduations and weddings, almost every weekend is busy. But this year is special for our family, as the first of our children will be married on Father’s Day weekend. We can’t think of a better way to enjoy Father’s Day than to watch the eldest child begin his new life as a husband. Congratulations, Ryan, you’ve made your father really proud.

By the time the wedding guests have left, I’ll be ready to spend a few quiet hours at home, and more likely than not we’ll be ready for a simple backyard barbeque. Although we enjoy grilling all year long, it’s when the weather warms up and the fresh local produce is plentiful that we look for new and interesting twists on old favorites – old favorites like sweet corn-on-the-cob. Before you think that you’ve “seen it all,” please turn to page 34 where local Chef Elaine Dekassian shares her favorites, like Cocktail Corn Cakes or Grilled Corn-onthe-Cob with Cilantro and Tequila-Lime Butter. I knew that would get your attention!

June is also the time we start thinking about getting away for a little vacation, and we often look for exotic locations abroad to satisfy our need for cultural experiences. But, let’s not forget what our own country has to offer; when was the last time you went to Washington, DC? Long-time Lifestyle writer Carole Firstman recently made a quick, impromptu trip there and you might be surprised at some of the jaunts she discovered, starting on page 46.

But, let’s also remember the many cultural happenings we have close to home, and none better than the Clark Center for Japanese Art & Culture in nearby Hanford. As one of Japan’s most acclaimed artists, Fukami Sueharu, prepared to open his exhibit at the Center, the March 2011 earthquake and the tsunami that followed rattled his homeland. To learn more about the Center’s single most significant collection of Fukami’s work, see the story by award-winning writer Aaron Collins on page 20.

There’s a sense of pride and accomplishment when an issue comes together, and this month, like every month, the staff members of Lifestyle Magazine are pleased to bring you the best of Home Tours, Culinary, Arts and Special Events found in the Central Valley. We hope you enjoy the articles and photos, and as always we appreciate your comments.

Karen Tellalian EXECUTIVE EDITOR

For more information or to submit a story idea email Karen@dmiagency.com or call (559) 739-1747 or fax (559) 738-0909.

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LIFESTYLE | JUNE 2011

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B BUSINESS CENTS

I Just Received a Great Life Insurance Offer in the Mail?

Tex t by Mark Rowe, Lewis & Associates Insurance

A

t least once a week someone calls me to ask whether the life insurance offer they received in the mail from their bank, credit union or credit card company is a good deal. Actually, it’s not a bad question to ask, considering that the offers are made to sound so attractive, the rates seem awfully inexpensive, and applying for coverage does not require passing a physical. Here is the quick answer: • Most offers are for Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage (AD&D) only • AD&D insurance pays a set amount for accidental death or dismemberment • Covers only the direct, proven results of an accident • Very specific coverage that provides limited protection • Can be purchased as a rider on an existing policy or as a separate policy • Probably not worth purchasing Accidental death and dismemberment Insurance (AD&D) can provide benefits, but is it worth it? AD&D insurance pays you or your beneficiaries a set amount of money if your death or dismemberment is the direct result of an accident. However, there are coverage restrictions that make accidental death and dismemberment insurance far less useful than it would appear.

AD&D is a very, very limited form of insurance. When it comes to insurance, you want to be covered and protected in all instances, not just certain ones. Since most people die from causes other than accidents, and other policies cover accidental death and much more, buying AD&D doesn’t make a lot of sense.

AD&D insurance covers exactly what its name states: accidental death and dismemberment. What does this mean? In the event of a fatal accident or an accident that results in you losing your eyesight, speech, hearing or a limb, AD&D will pay you or your beneficiaries a specified amount. However, there are restrictions and exclusions. To receive benefits related to an accident, your injuries or death usually must occur within a few months of the accident date. Also, you will only collect benefits if your death or injuries are proven, direct results of the accident.

Dismemberment coverage works on a “per-member” basis. If you lose one member (a hand, foot, limb, sight in one eye, speech or hearing), the insurance company will usually pay a stipulated dollar amount or percentage of the full benefit. If you lose two members, you may receive up to the whole benefit. Coverage amounts for partial or complete paralysis vary, but are usually 25 or 50 percent.

Typical exclusions of AD&D coverage include death during

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surgery, resulting from a mental or physical illness, bacterial infection, hernia or a drug overdose. In addition, many policies do not cover risky activities such as skydiving, car racing, and involvement in a war. It is important to read the fine print when applying for this kind of policy. While it may seem like you’re getting better and more adequate coverage, in reality, you’re probably not.

In addition, there have been a number of recent news reports about problems collecting death benefits under AD&D policies (a practice which disturbs me) and insurance companies trying to deny claims. Fortunately, I have not had any personal experiences with clients having these problems and certainly have not seen any claims denied for the standard (non-AD&D) policies that I have handled.

You can generally purchase accidental death and dismemberment insurance as a separate policy or as a rider (endorsement) on a basic life, health or other insurance policy. AD&D policies are typically issued by major insurers and can also be purchased through credit card offers or credit unions. Some life or health insurance companies may also include or offer AD&D in their group insurance plans.

Depending on the amount of coverage purchased and the benefits it provides, AD&D insurance premiums can cost as little as $60 per year. The low cost of accidental death and dismemberment insurance also means it doesn’t provide much benefit. In fact, it usually only provides a small amount of peace of mind. It’s generally more costeffective to put the money you’d be paying toward the premium into a standard life or other type of insurance policy instead.

If it’s very likely that you’ll die or become dismembered as the direct result of an accident, an AD&D policy may be a good idea, although you may have a higher premium if you’re at highrisk because of your occupation or activities. Having additional coverage doesn’t hurt, but realize that an accidental death and dismemberment policy is extremely specific and thus unlikely to pay a benefit.

The bottom line is that AD&D policies are probably only a good deal if you cannot qualify for any other form of standard life insurance. Ask a reputable agent to check out the cost of a standard life policy instead, or, if you already have a life insurance policy, purchasing a larger benefit amount might not cost much more, and it will cover more circumstances with fewer exclusions.

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WORD PLAY

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

S

ometimes as citizens we have little knowledge of countries that have great impact on us, while we impact them even more. Novels can open our eyes to the realities in esoteric locals which are part of our daily news, yet remain cryptic and impenetrable.

Farishta, by Patricia McArdle (Penguin, June 2011), tells the story of an American diplomat who is the lone woman at a Provincial Reconstruction Team base in northern Afghanistan. She lives with the emotional trauma of surviving the Beirut embassy bombing that killed her husband and unborn child as she deals with the daily life of the far-flung province in a land of warlords and foreign soldiers. One of her contributions is the introduction of solar ovens to a country where gathering cooking fuel is a major struggle. This was also a passion of McArdle’s during her service in the diplomatic corps in Afghanistan, a project she continues to promote.

No Space for Further Burials (Akashic, 2010) is written by Feryal Ali Gauhar, a Pakistani film maker and novelist. Her story details life in an Afghan asylum through the eyes of a captive American soldier. He shares in the bitter deprivation brought on by warfare and sees the remarkable resilience of battered souls as they struggle through ever-worsening conditions.

Read the Book Water for Elephants (Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2006),

by Sara Gruen tells the story of veterinary student Jacob Jankowski who drops out of school when his parents die and finds himself the caregiver for the mistreated animals in a second-rate circus. He also begins to care for the abused wife of the sadistic animal trainer.

Historical depression-era circus lore fleshes out the story. Gruen’s latest novel, Ape House (Spiegel & Garu, April 2011), concerns a language lab for great apes.

New Authors Zero Day (Thomas Dunne Books, March 2011) by Mark Russinovich portrays a frightening scenario of cyber-terrorism that is too real to ignore. Russinovich’s background at Microsoft lends credibility to his premise and characters and authenticity to his technical situations. Russinovich’s novel is a significant departure from his earlier books – technical references for Microsoft.

Josh Weil’s debut book, The New Valley, is a series of linked novellas about three men in Virginia’s remote backcountry. It was the 2010 Sue Kaufman Prize for First Fiction from the American Academy of Arts & Letters. The eBook version was released in April.

Contests The Writers’ Journal Romance Contest deadline is July 30. Top prize is $250. The journal will publish first through third prizes and some honorable mentions. Maximum words: 2,000. Entry fee: $7. Details: www.writersjournal.com/CalendarofContests.htm.

The 2008 third prize winner for this contest was JoAnn Bennett of Fresno, for “Love Enters the Picture.”

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Miami University Press presents a novella contest to promote a genre that often falls through the marketing cracks between short story anthologies and fulllength novels. The press will publish the winning entry and entrance fees will go toward publishing costs.

Each entrant receives a copy of the winning volume. Words: 18,000 to 40,000, no exceptions. Details: www.orgs.muohio. edu/mupress/novella.html.

A British television contest was launched in May to find “The People’s Novelist.” Alan Titchmarsh, Cathy Kelly and a third judge will provide the expertise for the ITV1 show. Authors can enter the competition through the summer, with the 12 finalists appearing in heats in the fall. Harper Collins will publish the winning entry.

Conferences The Los Angeles Southern California Writers’ Conference will be held September 23-25 at the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach.

The conference attempts to help writers solve problems in their manuscripts, gain tools for entering the publishing marketplace and interact with publishing professionals. Manuscripts submitted for advance critiques must be submitted by Sept. 3. Basic registration fee is $385. Details: www.writersconference.com/la.

The Tomales Bay Workshops sponsored by the University of California at Davis will be held on October 19-23 at the Marconi Conference Center in Tomales Bay. Keynote speaker is the Emmy-winning Jamaican poet, writer and singer Kwame Dawes.

Workshops are limited to 12 participants to ensure close attention.

Evenings feature readings by conference presenters. Registration deadline is Aug. 1. Full registration fee is $1,795. Details: www. extension.ucdavis.edu/unit/arts_and_humanities.

Books for Writers Writer’s Digest’s list of bestselling books for writers includes: 2011 Writer’s Market Deluxe Edition by Robert Lee Brewer, Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript by Chuck Sambuchino, 102 Ways to Earn Money Writing 1,500 Words or Less by I. J. Schecter, Showing & Telling by Laurie Alberts, and 2011 Guide to Literary Agents by Chuck Sambuchino. Beyond the usual, Schecter’s book offers ideas for writing and getting started at such things as fast-food tray liners, menus, résumés and love letters.

The Last Word “I can promise you that women working together – linked, informed and educated – can bring peace and prosperity to this forsaken planet.” - Isabel Allende (1942 -)

LIFESTYLE | JUNE 2011

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L LOCAL ADVENTURE

Kaweah

Whitewater Adventures

I

t’s about that time of year when the mere thought of stepping outside into the sweltering heat can make one faint. Fortunately, a few miles up the road is an icy cold river just waiting to be explored. Located in Three Rivers, Kaweah Whitewater Adventures (KWA) welcomes all who think they can brave the swift, sudden drops and towering wall of white, frothy Kaweah River water.

KWA has been owned and operated as a commercial business by Frank Root since 1995. He and his gang of expert guides take the very best care of their customers, and prepare them for the ride of their lives.

Guests start by suiting up in rather attractive wetsuits with proper shoes and secure helmets. Then it’s time to scramble into the bright orange van that looks straight out of the ’70s. At this stage, the trip officially begins as excited adventurers head to the launching point.

After the safety and guidelines chat, everyone jumps into the big blue rafts and sets off.

Depending on experience and courage, adventurers can choose level four and five class rapids or stay on the safer side with levels three and four. Either way, they’re in for an experience they’ll not soon forget. Classes reference the degree of difficulty or danger a section of rapids poses – generally from class one (least amount of danger and maneuvering) to class six (extremely dangerous and high skill necessary).

Class three and four trips take adventurers out on an afternoon trip where they battle some “slickies” (class four rapids) and other mildly jaunting rapids. These trips typically last a couple of hours depending on how fast the water is moving. These rides are perfect for families with children age eight and older.

Class four and five trips are longer and much more thrilling – and well, dangerous. These are available as either 3/4 day or full day (with lunch) and start from further up the river just underneath the Gateway Restaurant. Anyone unwilling to get a little wet should probably reconsider this one.

Although, with the experience and care from the trusty guides, adventurers are never alone even if they do get tossed into the water – and, oh yes, it happens.

Regardless of whether they get up close and personal with the icy water (which in this heat would probably be welcomed), everyone who completes the experience says it is breathtaking. Apart from the mad paddling and insane shrieking, there are plenty of opportunities to just float and enjoy the scenery from an entirely new viewpoint. Just beware the “circle of trust.”

For those seeking adventure close to home, Kaweah Whitewater Adventures will not disappoint. Book a trip early and soon, as nature rules the season of rafting and no one knows when it will end.

For more information, visit www.kaweah-whitewater.com.

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L LITERARY ARTS

TIM Z. HERNANDEZ

HONEST STORIES PROMOTE HEALING

T

im Z. Hernandez wants to tell the story of his native Valley with integrity. He wants to reach into the soul of its existence, wherever that takes him. Sometimes, that’s not a pretty place to be.

“I want to see that the stories of our community are told,” he said. “I want the stories to be told honestly – for better or worse, the ugly and the beautiful. I want us to see ourselves with stark, blatant honesty – then we can start to heal.”

His stories can be raw – not easily palatable. His latest novel, Breathing, In Dust, fits that description. Yet, some of his fellow Valley writers, such as Sylvia Ross, describe the book in glowing terms, not only for its gut-wrenching depiction of a Valley youth and his world, but also for rhythms and poetic flow of language.

“For anyone who has had his or her hands in the fragrant earth of the San Joaquin Valley, or who loves good literature, Tim’s novel is a keeper,” Ross said.

Hernandez is, after all, more than just a novelist. He is a poet, an artist, a performer, a teacher, a storyteller.

His first love, as a child, was drawing and painting, and that was the path his early successes in artistic expression followed. He exhibited his art beginning at age 16 and entered an apprenticeship with artist Joseph De La Cruz the same year. At 18, he had his first solo exhibit. In 1999 a chance meeting with muralist Juana Alicia turned into another apprenticeship. Since then, organizations such as the James Irvine Foundation have commissioned him to produce murals. One of his traditional fresco murals is displayed at the San Francisco International Airport.

It didn’t take him long to discover the beauty of the written word, either. Travelling through the Valley with his migrant farm-worker parents, he moved from his Dinuba birthplace to many communities, including Visalia and Reedley. He attended third grade in Cutler, where he had a teacher he described as “fantastic.” She taught him to memorize and recite poetry.

“Little did I know then that I would be doing that for a living,” he said.

His participation in the annual Peach Blossom Festival furthered

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Text by Diane Slocum

his love of literature and his skill at recitation. This festival is designed to help children from throughout the Central Valley gain knowledge and appreciation of literature and to express this through oral interpretation.

Juan Felipe Herrera, also a multi-talented Valley native, proved to be another positive influence on Hernandez. After seeing Herrera on television, Hernandez decided he had to meet him. This happened in Visalia in the 1990s.

Following this meeting, Hernandez pursued Poetry and Performance at CSU, Long Beach, with Herrera and Margaret Luna Robles as his mentors. In Herrera, he saw the possibility of pursuing multiple forms of self-expression. The mode didn’t matter.

“That was what attracted me,” he said. “It was an alignment of constellations. We took to each other right away. I still contact him when I have writer’s block.”

“Tim represents the best of the new generation of writers – multitalented in poetry, fiction and performance,” Herrera said. “He is charting new ground by fusing his art with meditation practices.”

Hernandez has performed at venues such as the Getty Center, Stanford University and the Jack Kerouac School. Currently, his performances consist of telling stories. The essence of the family gathered around the table is what he tries to capture with his audience when he is on stage, like when he used to sit and listen to his grandparents tell stories. Sometimes, he incorporates pieces from a one-man play he wrote on commission from the United Way in 2000. The play concerns homelessness and families on the verge of losing their homes.

“I wanted people to know the conditions leading up to it,” he said. “It’s more necessary today even than it was then.”

His assignment with the Council for the Humanities put him into an even more in-depth study of how people live. For three years he traveled from Sacramento to Bakersfield listening to people’s stories of migration and struggle. The common threads in these stories influenced his writing.

“I try to put into my writing the commonalities more than the differences,” he said.

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L I F E S T Y L E | M AY 2 0 1 1

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L LITERARY ARTS

“It comes from the fields, and tells of Valley people. What it tells is told with raw honesty and the language of the Valley.”

- Sylvia Ross

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One epiphany occurred when he visited, within a few days, in homes of Mono, Hmong and Chicano families. He listened to Native American stories of ancestral roots and connection to the land since ancient days. Over a fantastic meal, the recently immigrated Hmong family shared their stories from their home in the Mekong Delta and struggles to settle here. The Chicano family told of three generations of assimilation in California.

“I felt I was going back and forth on a string of time,” Hernandez said. “But they have similar experiences. It was like seeing the same object through three lenses.”

In his writing, he tries to duplicate this phenomenon. He writes in different points of view, different persons. He tries to use different lenses to view the whole community which is at the book’s core. Earlier in his writing, he wasn’t able to articulate this. He wasn’t aware that this is what he was doing.

“I could see it later,” he said. “Now it is clear.”

Hernandez is the recipient of the 2010 Premio Aztlàn Literary Award announced this April for his novel, Breathing, In Dust.

The National Latino Writers Conference and the History & Literary Arts program of the National Hispanic Cultural Center presented the award. Judges praised Hernandez’ poetic realism and breathtaking passages. His book is also a finalist for the California Book Award.

Breathing, In Dust concerns 17-year-old Tlaloc and the mind-numbing hopelessness and daily grind of the agricultural community that surrounds him. The youth tries to escape through his writing. Hernandez hoped to sell the book for young adults, but it is too raw for the market. He does use some of the stories when he performs for young audiences because he wants them to know that their own stories are important. He asks teens to write a letter to their town, to tell why they love it and why they hate it.

“We rely on your voices to tell the truth,” he tells them. No one else can bring out the truth of their stories the way they can themselves. With the possible exception of Hernandez himself – as Ross describes his novel: “Like its author, it has arisen from this Valley,” she said. “It comes from the fields, and tells of Valley people. What it tells is told with raw honesty and the language of the Valley.”

Hernandez is working on another Valleybased novel, the story of Bea Franco, a Selma girl who was the “Terry” character in Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, the story that was instrumental in getting the book published.

Hernandez has put in three years researching her side of the story.

“She’s like a Mona Lisa,” he said. “She became the muse for a great American novel without her knowing it.”

As she steps into another novel, Hernandez’s fans will be eagerly awaiting its publication.

“What all of us need in the 21st century is a strong dose of Tim Z. Hernandez,” Herrera said.

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A ARTS

still talismans for M

arch 2011 found one of Japan’s most acclaimed living artists preparing to embark on a journey to America for a major retrospective exhibition of his world-renowned art. But as he readied for what was to be a career-spanning survey of his fragile ceramic works, the famed Fukami Sueharu watched in disbelief as a considerable swath of his country rattled and was washed asunder by a 9.0 earthquake, then a 120-foot tsunami.

The Fukami tour de force had long been slated to open at Central California’s most authoritative art institution, the Clark Center for Japanese Art & Culture. Fortunately, Mr. Fukami’s plans were mostly unencumbered by the disaster, as his studio is located in Kyoto, well south of the epicenter in northeastern Japan.

Even better: the Clark Center already houses the world’s largest and single most significant collection of Fukami’s work in Hanford, California, atop a mostly temblor-free substratum.

Threats of destruction aside, the Fukami retrospective is a triumph nonetheless. It explores the artist’s development as an innovator bent on pushing the physical and esthetic limits of his chosen medium. On display is art born of what is essentially a part-artisanal, part-industrial process of highpressure slip casting used in commercial porcelain production that Fukami has redeployed for fine art ends.

The exhibit runs the gamut from early hand-hewn vessel forms to the mature-period light-blue glazed ceramic sculptures created from molds, for which Fukami is known worldwide. His work is featured in more than 40 important museum collections including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the British Museum.

The show covers considerable ground from the early ’60s to present day. Even so, it is a bit torturous knowing that much of the Clark Center’s trove of outstanding Fukami holdings lurk somewhere out of view due to the museum’s smallish galleries.

But then, that is a good problem to have. It didn’t keep Fukami fans from traveling from around the globe to attend the opening reception. As Mae West famously pointed out, too much of a good thing is wonderful.

What inspired Clark Center founder Bill Clark to collect Fukami in such depth? “I thought it was the most beautiful work of contemporary Japanese ceramics I had ever seen. I was truly just blown away and had to have it,” said Clark, a collector who more often seeks to focus in breadth, rather than expound with any single artist such as he has with Fukami.

“He is a perfectionist and that is very evident in his work,” Clark said. “If there is a flaw, he breaks the piece. But

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beyond that he creates shapes which are so original and bold, sometimes very sensuous but with incredible strength of line that draws you to them. I don’t think there are any other living Japanese ceramicists that have that combination of strength and beauty of line combined with such artistic sensitivity.”

Despite hailing from the most seismically active venue in the world, the show of highly breakable ceramics has come off without a hitch. Yet it is still interesting to consider how the porcelain master’s art now resonates anew in the post-tsunami era. Perceptions shift when people and nations are tested to the point of breaking, as do certain priorities.

According to the Center’s Director and Chief Curator, Dr. Andreas Marks: “[Fukami] and his wife were visibly moved by the recent developments in Japan … His first work of this year, which was completed after the quake, is called ‘Moment of Silence.’” So the artist has already begun to respond directly to Japan’s sobering new reality.

Through no initiative of their own, artists are as susceptible as anyone to the effects of cultural game-changers like disasters. These outliers shape a new lens of critical scrutiny.

Artists may find their significance reshuffled in the new order.

Fukami’s once-placid seascape pieces now appear more ominous; singularly pristine and menacing waves with their sharp Samurai-blade edges are more cutting and severe than before. Slumping volumes and interrupted symmetries enhance a sense of human fragility, similes of our own fragile corporeal vessels. But in their beauty these works remain unburdened metaphors, their elegant Minimalism resisting any one likening, their interpretation constantly in motion.

The seemingly unhanded modernity of his blade-like “View” series of large-scale totemic sculptures suggest memorials to the bygone, their gestures of ancient regality miming swift cuts with the ceramic medium’s hand-crafted past.

Many such late-career inclusions offer the opportunity to assess a Fukami oeuvre already remarkable for advancing the ancient field of Japanese functional ceramics for the contemporary fine art era. But curator Marks also wanted to convey an epic sweep, from the wabi-sabi esthetic of transience

ARTS A

turbulent times Fukami Sueharu Retrospective Text by Aaron Collins | Photos submitted by The Clark Center

ABOVE: Moment, 2003, porcelain with seihakuji glaze; permanent collection of the Clark Center for Japanese Art and Culture.

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“He is a perfectionist and that is very evident in his work,” Clark said. “If there is a flaw, he breaks the piece.”

Bill Clark, Clark Center founder

in early Fukami vessels to the sleek Minimalist formalism of the late works. The show deftly illustrates why Fukami is a key figure in redeeming the ceramic medium from its once-humble (some would say lowly) status as a mere craft medium to an equal peer in the realm of art mediums.

As contemporary art in Central California goes, the Fukami retrospective represents its own tsunami of sorts, such does the artist’s international stature tower in a region where the term “international artist” is sometimes misapplied to at best regionally known artists, but where art of this caliber is rarely exhibited – let alone permanently collected. The scholarly hardbound monograph entitled Fukami: Purity of Form that was produced on the occasion of the Fukami exhibition by the Clark Center and authored

by Marks represents the high-water mark of professionalism in Central California’s arts and culture sector.

In Fukami’s vision, the purely abstract shape-shifts

into what can read simultaneously as completely mimetic forms. Water, rendered concretely in an earthen material as strong and static as porcelain, proves breathtakingly fluid in effect. What is at once static, gestures in threatening motion, weapon-like yet also fragile. Tension and serenity commingle within selfsame forms. Fukami’s mature art offers both touchstone and cipher, still talismans for turbulent times.

Featuring sculptural works of art historical significance and current relevance, the not-to-be-missed retrospective (also entitled Fukami: Purity of Form) runs through July 30 in a show utterly rife with the paradoxes and gentle ironies that are characteristic of Japanese culture. But that is how they seem in the current moment.

Future generations will likely re-interpret his complex and subtle work in yet new ways – hopefully amid more peaceful times of serenity, balance and prosperity.

TOP: Installation views of Fukami: Purity of Form.

ABOVE: Midair V-1, 2003, porcelain with seihakuji glaze; permanent collection of the Clark Center for Japanese Art and Culture.

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H HOME TOUR

The Story of How a HOUSE Becomes

HOME Text by A aron Collins | Photos by Forrest Cavale, Third Element Studios

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THE VALOV HOME

HOME TOUR H

J

imi Valov was still a boy in Tulare when he first noticed Tammy out and about with her mother. She was a little blond girl hanging onto her mom’s leg. A kid his age would not necessarily have thought, What if someday I were to marry that girl and build a house and a life and a family together? After all, he was much older, separated in age by more than 10 years. But that’s how the story unfolds.

Such fateful moments underpin the stories of small town natives everywhere.

Time seems to move differently in such places, compressing to conceal the future within such seemingly random, routine encounters in places where if everybody doesn’t know everybody, they soon enough will.

From a remodel completed in 2008, Jimi and Tammy Valov’s Tulare residence came about from a variety of factors, not the least of which was the need to accommodate four kids. A first look reveals Mediterranean flesh over the bones of a former ranchstyle home. Thanks to the help of Visalia architect Stan Canby of Canby Architecture Studio, the Valovs have re-imagined their 1970 rambler in a Mediterranean style.

Their fondness for Santa Barbara style arose over the course of several years when the Valovs attended the annual Western Pistachio Association conferences (on whose board of directors Jimi serves). A grower since the early ’80s, Jimi started with just 15 acres of pistachios, later expanding into almonds. The Valovs’ enterprise now consists of more than 1,200 acres along with cotton, wheat, alfalfa, corn and a heifer ranch (as well as a variety of rental properties).

So the Valovs have brought home to the Valley something of a souvenir of pre-American history from the Central California coastal city known for remnants of its period of Spanish rule: its abundant California Mission and Spanish Colonial Revival structures.

“We both grew up in long, ranch-style country homes which our families built. We both love Mediterranean-style homes, so we came up with Santa Barbara style because we visit there often,” said Tammy. “We have always loved the homes in that area and

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knew someday, when we were ready to build our home, that would be the style.”

The couple purchased the property in 2005 in an area of northeast Tulare subdivided in the late 1950s by Chase Hoffman, a local dairyman who started the subdivision for himself as well as some of his friends – doctors, well-to-do farmers, etc. The original home was built upon two lots, in excess of 1 1/2 acres of land providing room for around 70 mature trees. Of the setting, “It feels like country in town,” said the Valovs, both raised in Tulare.

They set about transforming the structure in 2007 to suit the needs of their family of six. “We wanted a home with a large open floor plan that feels homey, yet with the elegance of a resort,” Tammy said. And that is what Ron Rupp Construction of Woodlake built according to Canby’s drawings.

“We built a home that would fit our active family perfectly. We also love to entertain family and friends and built the outside just for that,” Tammy said. That’s a reference to the swim-up bar and lanai whose shade and shelter from the elements effectively extend the outdoor entertaining season by months per year.

Dark Emperor marble appears throughout home. Hand-carved Cantera stone from Guadalajara provides set pieces as backdrop for 32 full slabs of granite that were used throughout the home, including a large kitchen island with a leather-finish granite.

PREVIOUS SPREAD: A balustraded stage is venue to a variety of social gatherings and charitable functions at the home of Jimi and Tammy Valov in Tulare.

TOP: Spanish-inflected dining room furnishings recall both the current Santa Barbara theme established in the makeover, as well as a nod to the former Mid-Century Modern Ranch’s ‘70s origins when earth tones were king.

ABOVE: Jimi and Tammy Valov in their backyard entertainment center.

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PICTURED: Hospitality and charitable events in the Valov’s backyard in Tulare is aided by this well-equipped outdoor kitchen with swim-up bar.

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H HOME TOUR TOP LEFT: High Victorian-era ornamentation is faithfully reproduced in the Valov’s master bed, a replica of those in the Titanic’s Victorian Suites.

MIDDLE LEFT: Daughter Journey’s room, complete with her own private bathroom.

BOTTOM LEFT: An interest in Native Americana is evident in the room shared by the Valov boys, who are descendents of Pocahontas.

Safe to say, this kitchen is prepared to serve a small cruise ship’s passengers, or Tulare’s madding hordes. This is ensured by an extra refrigerator/freezer and pantry in a vestibule area, along with the lanai’s full kitchen. Not surprisingly, the Valov home is a frequent venue for charity events, such as the fundraiser for their children’s private school.

In the master suite, a replica of the beds in the Titanic’s Victorian Suites shows the lavish ornamentation that was characteristic of the era preoccupied with the avant-garde. The suite’s bathroom features a walk-in shower large enough for agreeable company, with a Jacuzzi tub that sits in the middle of the room. A Swarovski crystal light fixture and ornate faucet handles suit Tammy’s tastes, but it’s her huge master closet that is her favorite.

For their four kids, the Valovs installed lockers to keeps things neat around the home. For the caffeine aficionado who should never be far from a source, the living room features a huge commercial espresso bar. A Cantera stone fireplace with 65-inch screen TV above might seem to keep the home’s residents tethered in the location, were it not for the Valovs encouraging their kids to be active and limit time on computers and other devices in favor of pursuits like drum lessons and outdoor activities. That shouldn’t be difficult: outside is an outdoor gourmet kitchen with three barbecues, a swimming pool with swim-up bar, and a stage flanked by stone balustrades above the pool which is fed by a 24-foot waterfall. If that doesn’t entice them, a one-eighth-mile bike and skateboard nature trail amid the trees might.

“We keep our kids very active with sports, music, animals, 4-H projects, farming and all their hobbies. We limit time on their computers and TV. We don’t have TVs or computers in any of their bedrooms. We enjoy being a family and don’t want them stuck in their rooms. My dad built the kids a huge totem pole that talks about the importance of a family, and we love it,” Tammy said, adding that while farming with their dad they like to hunt for arrowheads, which they display in their room.

The Valov boys, Jimi and Jade, chose to share a Native American-themed bedroom that reflects their interest in all things native because mom happens to be a direct descendent of Pocahontas. Her grandfather had told the family of the connection throughout their lives, and an uncle researched their genealogy, finding the story to be true.

Daughter Journey’s room is done up in a princess theme, dominated by a chandelier. An adventure to the upstairs loft reveals an array of animal prints in eldest daughter Shyannah’s bedroom with sitting area and walk-in closet and her own bathroom.

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H HOME TOUR

Every good story deserves a good soundtrack, so music is a big part of the Valov home. A huge game room with surround sound and big screen TV, a piano bar with a Clavinova, and a popcorn maker all attract the crowd for family movie night every Friday. A drive-through garage doubles as the kids’ drum practice area with a captive audience of reptiles. The reptile habitat features bearded dragons, water dragons, many different kinds of turtles, and skinks. “They take drumming lessons every week out there and now many of their friends do also,” said Tammy. They also have piano lessons each week.

“We wouldn’t change a thing,” Tammy said, happy with how the story has unfolded. “Our home is always filled with family and friends and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

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HOME TOUR H

PICTURED: The Valov kitchen is armed with numerous work stations and multiple sinks to accommodate preparation for crowds. Leatherfinish granite counter tops offer a fresh take on the familiar material.

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a new

Twist

on Classic Corn Corn Gets a Summer Makeover

Text by Elaine Dekassian, Tre Bien | Photos by Taylor Vaughn

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resh, tasty corn is a classic summer treat we often take for granted. Even with so many varieties of fruits and vegetables available this time of year in the Valley, one can rarely leave the farmer’s market without at least a dozen of those golden ears in their glorious green wrappers. But once we make it home, we’re not quite sure what to do with them. All too often those sweet treasures languish in the fridge or (heaven forbid) end up microwaved in wax paper and served as an overcooked side dish. No more. The following recipes are so delicious, there’s no excuse for letting a single ear go to waste. In fact, it might be a good idea to pick up an extra dozen.

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CULINARY ARTS C

Grilled Corn on the Cob INGREDIENTS

4 ears corn, husks on 1 C grated Cotija cheese Salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS

Heat your grill to medium.

Pull back the husks, doing your best to keep it intact but removing the innermost layer of silk. Fold the husks back into place and tie the ends together with kitchen string. Place the ears of corn in a large bowl of cold water with one tablespoon of salt for 10 minutes. Remove the corn from the water and shake off excess.

Place the corn on the grill, close the cover and grill for 15 to 20 minutes, turning every five minutes or until the kernels are tender when pierced with a paring knife.

Remove the husks from the cob or pull back and tie for a different presentation when ready to serve. Melt butter over corn; salt and pepper and sprinkle with the cotija cheese.

Serve with additional butter rounds.

Cilantro & Tequila-Lime Butter INGREDIENTS

1 stick unsalted butter, softened at room temperature.

1 T freshly squeezed lime juice 1 T white tequila 1 large shallot or 2 small, finely chopped 2 T chopped fresh cilantro

DIRECTIONS

Place the first five ingredients in a food processor and blend well. Transfer to piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a spatula, form the butter into a log. Roll the plastic or parchment over to wrap while continuing to form the log into a nice tight roll. Place on baking sheet and refrigerate until ready to use.

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Stuffed Poblano Peppers with Corn Succotash Stuffed Poblano Peppers

INGREDIENTS 4 large poblano peppers 2 lbs. baby spinach 1 onion, diced 3 T olive oil plus 3-4 T for the spinach 1 tsp. salt 1 lb. crimini mushrooms, chopped 1/2 C goat cheese

Corn Succotash

INGREDIENTS 3 ears corn, kernels cut off the cob 1 red bell pepper 2 T butter 1 large zucchini 1 T chopped marjoram salt and pepper 2 T heavy cream

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DIRECTIONS Remove the skins from the peppers by putting them directly over the flame of a gas burner on stove (or gas grill) and char them all over. Place them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to steam about 6-8 minutes. Then carefully remove the skin without ripping the peppers.

If you do not have either option above, use one quart vegetable oil in a large sauté pan and heat to about 375 degrees. Fry the poblanos one at a time until they blister but are still firm, no more than 30 seconds on each side. Place the peppers in a plastic bag in a bowl and cover for about 6-8 minutes. Remove the poblanos from the bag or bowl and peel.

While letting the peppers steam, sauté the onions in olive oil in a sauté pan on medium heat. Add the mushrooms and brown. Remove from the pan and reserve. Add more olive oil to the pan and add the spinach, salt and pepper until all the spinach wilts. If your pan is too small, do this in two batches. This will take a couple of minutes. Toss the spinach with tongs. Set aside to drain off the liquid.

Carefully cut the peppers open down the middle with one lengthwise split. Use a spoon to combine the spinach with the mushrooms and onion and place in a food processor; chop fine without pureeing. Add To prepare the succotash, cut the corn kernels from the ears of the corn and scrape them with the back of a knife to squeeze out as much of the corn as possible. Set aside. Sauté the bell pepper in butter in a large ovenproof sauté pan over medium-low heat for two minutes. Add the corn, zucchini, marjoram, salt and pepper, and sauté for three more minutes. If the mixture seems dry, add one tablespoon water.

To finish the dish, preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Place the poblanos on top of the succotash, cover the sauté pan, and put it in the oven for about 15 minutes or until the poblanos feel soft to the touch. Put each poblano on a big serving plate. Put the cream into the succotash and mix well. Warm up quickly on the stove if necessary. Spoon the succotash around each poblano and serve at once.

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Cocktail Corn Cakes Topped with Dungeness Crab and Spicy Mango Salsa

makes 20 cakes

INGREDIENTS 5 T cornmeal (medium grain) 1/2 C all purpose flour 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. baking powder 1 egg, beaten 5 T milk 1 T melted butter 2/3 C corn kernels Cayenne pepper 1 T vegetable or canola oil

DIRECTIONS Mix the cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, egg, milk and butter to make a smooth batter. Stir in the corn kernels.

Add cayenne pepper to taste.

Brush a frying pan or griddle with oil.

Preheat over medium heat. Working in batches, drop heaped teaspoonfuls of mixture onto the hot surface. Cook until crisp and golden, about two minutes or so per side. Brush pan with oil between each batch of pancakes.

Cool pancakes to room temperature.

Crab and Salsa INGREDIENTS 3/4 to 1 lb. Dungeness crab meat 1/2 mango, finely chopped 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced Juice of 1 lime 1/2 C crème fraiche Cilantro leaves to garnish

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DIRECTIONS Combine crab, mango, onion, chili and lime. Add salt and pepper to taste. Top each cake with crab mixture. Garnish with crème fraiche and cilantro leaves.

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B BUSINESS PROFILE

Dr. John K.

Sullivan Making the Community Smile

Text by Kyndal Kennedy | Photos by Taylor Vaughn

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BUSINESS PROFILE B

I

t’s all about remembering your roots and supporting your community at Smiles By Sullivan. Born and raised in Tulare, Dr. John K. Sullivan, DDS, knew early in graduate school that he wanted to open his practice in his hometown and give back to the community that had so supported him throughout his life.

After graduating from Tulare Western High School, Dr. Sullivan went on to complete his undergraduate schooling at Fresno State where in just his first year, Dentistry was already calling his name. Knowing he wanted to work in the medical field with his hands, he saw two career options ahead of him: surgeon or dentist. Seeing an opportunity for more freedom in the future of dentistry, he chose the latter. Once accepted to the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, he set his dreams in motion.

With drive and determination, and before even graduating, Dr. Sullivan was already building his office in Tulare. He graduated in July of 1984, came home, and opened up his practice in September. Dr. Sullivan built Smiles By Sullivan with the dream of providing the area with high-tech, state of the art cosmetic and restorative dentistry.

Since opening in 1984 the dental field has continuously evolved. Dr. Sullivan, associate doctor Alisa L. Martin, DDS, and their team of highly trained dental hygienists, clinical assistants, and treatment coordinators are constantly educating themselves on new technology and techniques and even go so far as to attend over 200 hours of courses annually.

“The field reinvents itself every three to four years and what you learned in school becomes obsolete,” he explained.

The doctors and staff at Smiles By Sullivan are qualified and trained in the newest advances in dentistry, including lasers to diagnose and treat dental problems, microscopes to see better, and computers to analyze jaw joints and the manner in which teeth fit together.

With all of the advanced procedures available at Smiles

By Sullivan, the most common service requested is still general teeth cleaning. However, there has been an increase in requests for younger smiles by older patients.

“Patients used to believe the older they got, the more teeth would fall out and they wouldn’t need to see a dentist,” he said with a laugh. “But now older patients are getting ‘smile makeovers.’ They are living a long time and want to look good and feel good.”

That’s what Dr. Sullivan loves most about his job.

“It’s all about helping people, getting people out of pain, making their smiles better. When I see a patient smile after treatment, there is nothing better.”

Along with providing excellent care for their patients, Dr. Sullivan and staff are dedicated to reaching out to their community. The Give Back A Smile Program (GBAS), supported by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), is a program developed to address a very serious need in communities. Volunteer dentists and laboratory technicians come together to restore the broken and damaged teeth of survivors of domestic violence. These dentists help erase the memories of abuse by restoring smiles at no cost to the survivor, thereby in at least one small way restoring their lives.

In addition to GBAS, the Bright Smiles Foundation was created by Dr. Sullivan as a way to support the youth of

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B BUSINESS PROFILE

Tulare County. Seeing the trend in increased requests for teeth whitening in the area, Dr. Sullivan, saw an opportunity to make a difference. One hundred percent of the funds generated by teeth whitening go directly to the Foundation to provide help with academics, social activities, sports and recreation.

Over the years that the Foundation has been in place, there have been over $100,000 in donations to our local youth stemming straight from the beautiful smiles Smiles By Sullivan has created.

Why so community minded?

“I exist because of the community. I grew up here and remember when I was younger going out and selling candy bars to neighbors. The support that people in this town have for one another is great. It’s so important to me to give back and support the community like they supported me and my wife when we were younger,” he said.

ABOVE: Lisa Vieira, Donna Burnett, Sue Hastings, Dana Wiltfang, Gale Silva, Amanda Frank, Dr. John Sullivan

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BUSINESS PROFILE B

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B BUSINESS PROFILE

TOP LEFT: Somnodent mandibular advancement device for snoring and sleep apnea TOP RIGHT: Dental microscope for enhanced vision ABOVE: 3M optical scanner for digital impressions.

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Dr. Sullivan’s long-lasting dedication to Tulare and its residents is at the cornerstone of his practice. But he doesn’t just think globally and act locally, he acts globally as well. In addition to his work here at home, Dr. Sullivan’s skill and research has also allowed him to help those throughout the country and worldwide.

As a board member of the AACD for the last eight years, and now as the president, he is representing the Academy throughout the world. It’s refreshing to see a small town dentist at the head of a corporation with over 6,500 members. According to the AACD website, the AACD is dedicated to advancing excellence in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry and encouraging the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care. The great thing about the leadership of the AACD, Dr. Sullivan explains, is that most presidents have always been working dentists.

“They are not up on a pedestal. On Monday, they are back in the office treating their patients.” Much like Dr. Sullivan himself.

In addition to being an Accredited Member of the AACD, a position held by less than 300 dentists worldwide, Dr. Sullivan has won numerous awards in dentistry including one of Consumers’ Research Council of America’s “Top Dentists” for 2011. However, what really matters to him is giving his patients the smile they’ve always wanted and giving back to his community – that to him truly says, “job well done.”

BUSINESS PROFILE B

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LIFESTYLE | JUNE 2011

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T TRAVEL

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TRAVEL T

A Pleasant Surprise: Adams Morgan, Washington DC

A

Text and Photos by Carole Firstman

s usual, I didn’t do a whole lot of pre-trip planning. Sure, I covered the basics: booked my flight to Washington DC, registered for the literary conference I would attend in early February, reserved a room at the mega-hotel complex that would host the event, and scrunched a jacket into my carry-on suitcase. Check, check and double check. And when a brutal snowstorm swept through the Midwest and Northeast in the days leading up to the conference (a storm that left air travelers stranded in airports across the country and sent pedestrians sliding across ice-coated sidewalks), I obsessively checked and rechecked my flight status online, fingers crossed. But that’s about it – I didn’t read travel blog reviews of restaurants or peruse the hotel’s things-to-do-nearby webpage. Call me lazy or call me spontaneous, but I tend to show up

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T TRAVEL Top: The Madam herself, 35-feet tall, looks over the patrons who flock to her club.

Bottom: The front exterior of Madam's Organ.

relatively uninformed. I like the element of surprise. And in this case, DC did not disappoint.

The best surprise revealed itself on an impromptu jaunt to one of the city’s liveliest neighborhoods. It turns out my conference hotel was just blocks from the famous Adams Morgan district.

Adams Morgan is a fascinating neighborhood in northwest DC, a culturally diverse community with a personality all its own. Centered at the intersection of 18th Street and Columbia Road, it’s known for an eclectic mix of hip nightclubs, outdoor murals, art galleries, funky shops and ethnic restaurants. The area’s cultural diversity is reflected in the menu offerings from just about everywhere on the planet, from Ethiopia and Vietnam to Salvador and the Caribbean.

The name Adams Morgan is derived from two formerly segregated schools that used to be located in the area – the all-black Thomas P. Morgan Elementary School and the all-white John Quincy Adams Elementary School. Following desegregation actions of the 1950s, the bringing together of the Adams and Morgan names represented a unification of people. Now the Adams Morgan neighborhood is much more than just black and white. It’s a thriving and exceptionally harmonious multicultural community.

Along with adjacent communities, Adams Morgan has long been a gateway community for immigrants. Since the 1960s and early 1970s when the area’s influx of immigrants from Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean was at its height, gentrification and the resulting high cost of housing have displaced many immigrants and long-time African American residents. A mix of new immigrants, young urban professionals and intellectuals, now fill the neighborhood’s 19th century apartment buildings and row 48

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houses. The five-square-block area has managed to retain a degree of diversity, though, which is most evident in its array of international shops, eateries and nightlife scene.

Adams Morgan thrives with nightlife, rivaling hot spots like Georgetown and Dupont Circle. Upon the suggestion of my colleagues, the first night of my conference I headed for local landmark Madam’s Organ Blues Bar. Spontaneous traveler that I am (that’s code for “unprepared”), I left my coat in my hotel and walked sans jacket one-and-a-half miles with the promise of good music. The walk was chilly, but Madam’s Organ would turn out to be worth the effort.

Legendary for live music seven nights a week, Madam’s Organ packs its tiny stage with big name talents. Jazz, bluegrass, R&B and Latin dance – nationally known artists and top local bands draw big crowds into the club’s modest interior. The three-story club features a tiki-lit rooftop deck, a second-floor billiards room called “Big Daddy’s Love Lounge and Pick-Up Joint” and tasty soul food from the kitchen. They say you never know who you’ll see at Madam’s Organ, either jammin’ on stage or hangin’ in the crowd.

According to the club’s website, “Notable regular patrons have included Euan Blair, son of Tony Blair, and the late Soviet dissident artist Alexandr Zhdanov. Hungarian Ambassador András Simonyi was not only a regular patron but also performed with his band ‘Coalition of the Willing’ for his Washington Diplomatic farewell party attended by a Washington A-list including European diplomats, United States Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, and Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány. Additionally, Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson were regulars during the filming of Wedding Crashers, and Politically Incorrect host Bill Maher

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Above: The busy streets of Adams Morgan are full of tourists and locals who enjoy the eclectic tastes of its many restaurants, funky shops and art galleries.

always stops by when in Washington. Barbara and Jenna Bush have also been spotted there. Madam’s Organ was described as a favored hangout by Playboy and Stuff (magazine), and was featured on the Wild On! travel series on E!.”

The place was jammed with conference-attending writer-types rather than celebrities the night I visited, rounded out with a fair number of locals. Even on a bone-cold Thursday night the place was packed. Latin music swelled from the open door as my companions and I pushed our way inside. A crush of dancers heated the room, salsa stepping to the rhythms of a band called “Patrick Alban and Noche Latina.”

The personal history of Patrick Alban, the group’s namesake performer, parallels the cultural diversity of the Adams Morgan district. By the age of 10, Ecuadorian-born Alban had found his passion playing acoustic guitar, and by the age of 12 he’d won a major award in the 3rd Annual Christian Festival in Guayaquil, Ecuador. He moved to the United States at age 16, and by 20 he had enrolled in music school in Maryland. Today his music is a SpanishEnglish combination of Latin and acoustic rock with a touch of salsa. His repertoire includes Brazilian sambas, Cuban music, tangos, boleros, salsa and blues.

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The name of the bar where Alban played the night I saw him, Madam’s Organ, also ties into the district’s history with its clever play on words: Adams Morgan – Madam’s Organ. Pretty good, eh?

And as the neighborhood is famed for its many outdoor murals, this blues bar reveals a mural of its own, too, and a risqué one at that. It’s hard to miss the provocative artwork on the outside wall.

Painted 35-feet tall on brick, the Madam’s image has been part of the neighborhood’s colorful streetscape since 1992. Flaming red hair cascades around the Madam’s low-cut dress to emphasize her 13-foot bosom. She looks to be in her fifties—heavily made up with ruby lips and green eye shadow. Appearing past her prime but wise about life, perhaps she flouts the “young chick” female images that most modern advertisers prefer. In bright-color glory she gazes down while cars circle the street and night clubbers line the sidewalk. Queen of her funky domain.

By 3 a.m. the stage had cleared and party concluded. I was ready to crawl back to my hotel room. I have to admit the wee-morning walk in 23-degree weather seemed a bit longer than it had earlier that evening. Oh, well. That’s what you get when you leave your jacket behind. Next time I’ll plan better.

OF TULARE COUNTY

21 5 W. T ULARE AV E | V IS A LIA , C A 9 3 2 7 7 P HON E 5 59 . 6 25 . 4 42 2 | FAX 55 9. 6 2 5 .1 3 7 9 W W W. B G C LUBTC . OR G C AMPAIGN ENDS IN JUNE, PLEASE DONATE TODAY.

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N NEXT GEN

Tex t by Crystal R.R. Edwards | Photos by Adrian Prieto

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NEXT GEN

Eric Blain

NEXT GEN N

Swim, bike, run: the Triathlon. This combination endurance sport was being conducted in France as early as the 1920s, but the sport’s first appearance in the US wasn’t until 1974 in Mission Bay, San Diego, California. The sport is grouped into four different categories according to distance: “Sprint” (.5mi swim, 12.4mi ride, 3.1mi run); “Olympic” (.93mi swim, 24.8mi ride, 6.2mi run); “Half-Ironman” (1.2mi swim, 56mi ride, 13.1mi run); and the longest, the “Ironman” (2.4mi swim, 112mi. ride, 26.2mi run). In layman’s terms, the Ironman is said to be “the world’s most challenging endurance event.” Fifteen men braved the first Ironman triathlon in 1978, in Oahu, Hawaii. In 2010 over 20,000 people participated in IRONMAN® (the official Ironman event) triathlons all over the United States, and later this year, Eric Blain will be one of them.

H

ow long does it take someone to decide to start running triathlons? It took Eric Blain all but a split second. “I just woke up one morning and decided I was going to do it,” said Eric. Sports were always a part of his life, but after college he became less active. A little over a year ago, his desire to attain a specific goal, instead of just running to get into shape for the summer, made all the difference. “I had always been intrigued by the long-distance stuff. I thought people were crazy for running a marathon, so I decided to run a halfmarathon. I trained for it, logged it, ran it, loved it. That’s where the madness started. My cousin did a sprint triathlon right after my half-marathon, and he said it was a blast. I signed up for one and fell in love with it.”

When he is not in the midst of intense training, the 27-yearold runs the family business, Blain Homes, alongside his brother and cousin. Based in Tulare, the business was founded by his grandfather and later taken over by his father and uncle. Though he has now found himself at the heart of the homebuilding industry, he graduated from Fresno State with a degree in criminology, and the step-by-step, systematic methods he learned in school have served him well in a new pursuit: training to complete the 2011 Arizona IRONMAN® in November.

Ask any triathlete and they’ll tell you triathlons are all about structure and training plans. The entire year is mapped out and a game plan is set from the beginning, based on what races will be run. “I’ve always been a pretty determined person, and this has reaffirmed that for me,” Eric said. “I like the structure of knowing on Sunday what my workout will be on Friday. I have four priority races this year, with November’s race being my A-priority, and I’ll do other smaller ones in between. I tailor my workouts according to

these four races, tapering off a bit just before each race.” Lessening the intensity of workouts before each performance reduces the risk of injury just prior to each race.

Eric spends upwards of 20 hours a week lifting weights, cycling, running and swimming. With a strong aversion to the treadmill, most of his running and riding is done around Visalia and Tulare, and hill training in the foothills of Exeter. Currently, about 95 percent of his swim training is in the pool at Evolutions, but more open-water swims at local lakes will begin as the weather warms up.

It’s clear that Eric, taking on such a committed and grueling task, is a very self-motivated individual, but motivation alone can still lack a necessity: proper guidance. Eric attributes much of his success to the owner of California Fitness Academy and President of Visalia Triathlon Club (VTC), Justin Levine.

“Justin Levine does it all, and he is one of the most knowledgeable around here for triathlons. It’s been the best thing ever for me [to join VTC]. The Club has the knowledge I need. I’ve been training with them for a year and I see many improvements.

Before I joined, I over-trained and under-recovered. But the biggest help has been in my training plan. Before, I would just kind of run or bike or swim aimlessly, and now I feel like I actually have a plan of action.”

Eric and a few others from Visalia will be doing the Arizona IRONMAN® in November. “I’m excited. Well, 85 percent excited, 15 percent nervous. This is a hard workout … it’s a long year just to get toward that, but it’s going to be here before I know it.”

The rigorous work will be worth it when he crosses the finish line in November and relishes in the completion of yet another one of his goals. It is unknown where his determination will take him in the future, but for Eric Blain, the “madness” has only just begun.

LEFT: In May, Eric completed the Wildflower Triathlon at Lake San Antonio, California, one of the most well-known and competitive triathlons on the West Coast. He ran the Olympic distance course, coming in 107th out of nearly 2,000 people overall, and 24th place in his age group out of 187. His time was 2 hours, 32 minutes.

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F FASHION

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shift into

Tex t by Sharon Mosley

FASHION F

neutral

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hink hot pink, bright blue or sunny yellow. If the new bold colors popping up on the fashion scene are not quite right for you, then how about shifting your summer wardrobe into neutral?

Crisp whites, sophisticated tans and cool grays – they’re all the softer side of summer’s color palette whether they’re worn head-to-toe or mixed together in muted combinations.

Here are some ways to make the shift into neutral this summer: Start with white jeans. Find a pair of well-fitting white jeans to anchor any other neutral or even bright colored tops and jackets. White denim can instantly give your warm-weather wardrobe a fresh look.

Wear white with white. Pairing white separates together is one of the newest trends on the spring runways. Some designers even paraded white tailored shorts and matching jackets down the catwalk – all part of the sleek minimalist trend in neutral ensembles.

Build a wardrobe of neutrals. Keep your summer pieces to a minimum of two or three key colors – white, tan or gray – in basic pieces: one pair of jeans, one pair of capris, a long skirt, one jacket and several tee-shirts or tops. Then you’ll have ready access to neutrals that will blend with each other as well as other colorful items you already own.

Mix it all up. Another sophisticated way to update your style quotient. One of the most popular neutral combinations on the summer scene: taupe with white or darker khaki and tan with ivory. Keep the darker color on the bottom for a more flattering silhouette.

Think texture. Neutrals don’t have to be boring. Look for details like open-weave knits, lace, embroidery, pleats, ruching or fabrics with a little shine. Layered over a matching tank or tee, crochet cotton sweaters are a great way to transition from cool spring days to warm summer nights. Whatever you do, however, keep your neutral pieces light and breezy in soft fabrics like silky blends and cool cottons.

Add neutral accessories. Love the head-to-toe white look?

Then give it even more of a “cool” summer vibe with tan accessories, such as a straw fedora or a camel-colored leather messenger bag, tortoise-shell sunglasses or flat-braided huarache sandals. Gold jewelry is the perfect accent for whites and tans; stick to silver for white and grays.

Pop in prints. There are lots of prints that coordinate with neutrals, of course, but one of the classic ways to give your neutrals a dash of panache is pairing them with animal prints.

They’re an easy way to add a little excitement to a soft color palette. Throw in an animal-printed swimsuit or top when you pack easy neutrals for a beach getaway, and you’ve got a glamorous change of pace for day or night.

Liven up with color. OK, even if you’re a chic minimalist and love living in neutrals, you can add a little color to your summer style basics. Scarves are one of the best ways to give your neutral outfits a vibrant punch of color. And handbags and shoes can add some color, too.

Consider your skin tone. Think about your skin tone when choosing your whites. Since pure whites often have a blue undertone, they look best on people who have cooler skin tones; creamier off-whites usually look best on people with warmer skin tones.

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K KUDO'S

William Shatner and the Hidden Gardens of Three Rivers Tour Text by Aaron Collins | Photos by Taylor Vaughn

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tar power in Tulare County shines no more brightly than that of its most famous part-time resident, William Shatner, who well deserves our Kudos this month.

Considering the privacy needs of a celebrity known around the globe, landing Captain Kirk’s private getaway as a featured stop on this spring’s Hidden Gardens of Three Rivers Tour was nothing short of a small coup.

Celebrities are understandably reluctant to open their private spaces to the public, perhaps more so for those actors whose work spawns rather zealous devotees such as Star Trek’s somewhat notoriously odd Trekkies (in jest, Shatner once famously told Trekkies at a major Start Trek convention to “Get a life!”).

The iconic Captain Kirk generously agreed to open Belle Reve, his Three Rivers horse ranch and gardens, for the annual event that benefits the Three Rivers Union School Foundation. His Native American Spirit Garden was especially a hit. Featuring figurative sculpture created by the same Disney artist who gave us such attractions as the Bear Country Jamboree among others, the sculptures depict indigenous wildlife and Natives following their daily routines, standing like silent ghosts frozen alongside a creek that feeds into the South Fork of the Kaweah River.

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Shatner’s celebrity resulted in a promotional juggernaut that netted positive media in major California markets as far away as Los Angeles and San Diego. Not bad for what is normally a locally promoted annual affair attended mostly by locals with ties to the local elementary school supported by the sponsor.

The result? A sold-out event. Or should we say sold out and then some, as organizers quickly added tickets once the program’s draw was evident, with tickets flying – thanks to curiosity about the Shatner venue.

Five other gardens were featured on the Hidden tour, including a tropical theme, an English terraced garden, a lavender and herb garden by a professional horticulturist, and the St. Anthony’s Retreat grounds. Hats off to all the homeowners who opened their homes and to the event organizers. But most certainly a tip of the hat to Mr. William Shatner for the buzz that resonated loud and far, raising thousands for the TRUS Foundation.

For information about the 2012 Hidden Gardens of Three Rivers event or the Three Rivers Union School Foundation, visit www.trusfoundation.org.

HAPPENINGS H

A Bridal Odyssey Come and connect with the wedding professionals you need to help you create your perfect day. The bridal shows give you an opportunity to meet dozens of great wedding vendors, see (and taste!) their work, sign up for great prizes and discounts, and enjoy a beautiful multi-media fashion show.

When: July 10, 11-4p Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave, Visalia Contact: 733-0741 or debbie@abridalodyssey.com

Theater & Performances

Art Exhibits

A Taffeta Wedding

Images of Home:

Return to the music of a simpler time.

You’ll hear tunes from the ’50s and ’60s in this laugh-filled sequel to The Taffetas. Performed by the Visalia Community Players. By Rick Lewis.

Directed by Leeni Mitchell. Call for ticket information.

When: June 17-19, 24-26; July 1-3, Fri.Sat. evening 7:30p; Sun. matinee 2p Where: Ice House Theatre, 410 E. Race Avenue, Visalia Contact: 734-3900

JULY 16

July 10

Wyndfall Chamber Music Series

Visalia Season 2011 ‘‘Suite Jazz!’’

Come enjoy the sounds of guest artist Dr. Bruce Kiesling on piano, with Tracy Harris as they perform an all-jazz concert.

When: July 16, 7-9p Where: Spiritual Awareness Center Contact: 592-9592

Fourth Wall Theatre Co. Presents RENT

Directed by Corey Ralston, this production of the hit Broadway musical will be the first time the musical has been done in the valley.

All profit after production costs will be donated to the LGBTQ Wellness Foundation which provides education about HIV/AIDS and provides assistance to those locally infected.

When: July 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 Where: Main Street Theatre, 307 E. Main Street, Visalia Contact: Visit www.rentvisalia.com for more details

Paintings by Jana Botkin Jana Botkin has made the switch to oil paintings. Botkin’s art depicts scenes from nature, the Sierras, fruit, florals and people.

When: May 5-July 16, 10a-4p daily Where: Tulare Historical Museum – Heritage Room, 444 W. Tulare Avenue, Tulare Contact: Linda Ruminer, 686-2074

Diversions & Excursions Summer Night Lights

All youth and teens are invited Saturday nights this summer for FREE food, activities and entertainment!

Bring a few friends and enjoys movies, music, games, sports and more!

When: June 18, 8-11:30p at Wittman Village Community Center, 315 W. Pearl Street, Visalia June 25, 8-11:30p at Boys & Girls Club, 215 W. Tulare Avenue, Visalia July 2, 8-11:30p at Mt. Whitney Pool, 900 S. Conyer Street, Visalia July 9, 8-11:30p at Rawhide Stadium, 440 N. Giddings Street, Visalia July 16, 8-11:30p at Anthony Community Center, 345 N. Jacob Street, Visalia Contact: Visalia Parks and Recreation, 713-4365

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Movies in the Park

Join in the fun on Friday nights at Riverway Sports Park for a FREE family movie night! Gather the family, grab a blanket or lawn chairs, and head out to the park for a night under the stars.

Movies begin at 8:30p.

When: June 24, Nanny McPhee Returns (PG) July 1, The Last Airbender (PG) July 8, How to Train Your Dragon (PG) July 15, The Karate Kid (PG) Where: Riverway Sports Park, 3611 North Dinuba Boulevard, Visalia Contact: Visalia Parks and Recreation, 713-4365

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Smokey the Bear and so much more at no charge!

When:July 4, 11a-2p Where: Grace Lutheran Church and School Grounds, 1111 S. Conyer Street, Visalia Contact: Sandy Eitel, 734-7694

JULY 10

Blues, Brews & BBQ

Join in on live music, refreshing beverages and delicious barbeque at this fun Downtown event.

When: July 1, 6-10p Where: Garden Street Plaza, Visalia Contact: 732-7737 or visit www.bluesbrewsandbbq.net

Weekly event open to the public featuring free live music, kids’ activities, cooking demonstrations and local, fresh produce available for purchase.

When: Thursdays, Downtown Visalia 5-8p; Saturdays, Sequoia Mall, Sears parking lot 8-11:30a Where: Main Street; Visalia & Sears parking lot at Mooney and Caldwell, Visalia Contact: 967-6722 or www. visaliafarmersmarket.com

Celebrate art, music, dance, storytelling, food and drink as you browse the art galleries, studios and gift shops of downtown Three Rivers.

For discounts and participants visit website.

When: July 2, 10a-5p Where: Maps at Anne Lang’s Emporium, 41651 Sierra Dr. (CA 198), Three Rivers Contact: Nadi Spencer, 561-4373 or visit www.1stSaturdayTR.com

Almesa Winery invites you to a great evening of music, beverages, dinner and a harbor cruise aboard the “Chablis” in the Morro Bay Harbor.

Tickets can be purchased through Chablis Cruises, www.chabliscruises. com When: July 2, 7-10p Where: Morro Bay Harbor (Next to Harbor Hut Restaurant) Contact: 967-5755

Freedom 5K Walk

Celebrate Independence Day by enjoying your freedom and access to the natural surroundings of Visalia as we walk for freedom. $10 When: July 4; 6a registration, 7a start time Where: Plaza Park, 700 S. Plaza Street, Visalia Contact: Visalia Parks and Recreation, 713-4365

Family Community Carnival

Come out this fourth of July and enjoy a hot dog picnic lunch, snow cones, games and prizes, live music, Visalia Fire Dept display, M.A.D.D., and

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Come and connect with the wedding professionals you need to help you create your perfect day.The bridal shows give you an opportunity to meet dozens of great wedding vendors, see (and taste!) their work, sign up for great prizes and discounts, and enjoy a beautiful multi-media fashion show.

When: July 10, 11-4p Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave, Visalia Contact: 733-0741 or debbie@ abridalodyssey.com

Visalia Farmers’ Market – Harvest of the Valley

1st Saturday in Three Rivers

Wine On the Water

A Bridal Odyssey

Charitable Events

JUNE 18

Ronald McDonald House Charities Fun Run

5-K and 2-K Run/Walk. There will be a post-run celebration with concert, awards and other festivities! Register at: www.rmhcfunrun.eventbrite.com and come support a charity that provides a refuge for families who are trying to cope with the physical, emotional and financial burdens of having a seriously ill child.

When: June 18, 8a-2p Where: Mooney’s Grove Park Contact: 447-6793 or info@ronald-mcdonaldhouse.com

Classes & Workshops Art Workshop: Painterly Printmaking – Monotype

Often considered the most spontaneous form of printmaking, monotype is a fun and experimental form of expression.

It is closely related to painting and is accessible to new and experienced artists alike. We will be using waterbased Akua Inks which can be printed without a press and clean up is easy with safe, non-toxic clean-up methods.

HAPPENINGS H Call for more information including registration fees.

When: June 25 & 26, 10a-4p Location: St. Anthony Retreat, 43816 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers Contact: 561-4671

Children’s Attractions Sound N Vision Foundation: Summer Youth Music & Art Exploration 2011 Do your kids want to get a taste for the arts this summer? SNV Foundation’s Summer Youth Music & Art Exploration gives kids a chance to participate in the following classes for free. Classes take place at the Boys & Girls Club, located at 215 W. Tulare Avenue in Visalia (unless otherwise noted). Contact Stephanie Gomes at stephaniemgomes@gmail. com for more information.

– Ceramics

This class will cover basic ceramic hand building techniques including pinch, slab and coil. Students will explore the elements of art by incorporating the use of space, shape/form and proportion in their projects. Projects will be low-fired and finished with acrylic paint and polyurethane sealer/protector. (10-17 year-olds). Instructor: Anica Gomes (head of Art Department) When: June 13-24 (M, W, F) 10:45a-12:15p

– Rockin’ Guitar for Beginners

Students will learn basic guitar rock theory and techniques to get them rockin’. (10-15 year-olds).

Instructor: Evan Hatfield (multiinstrumentalist) When:June 13-24 (M, W, F) 1-1:50p

– Beginner’s Art

This class is designed to introduce the budding artist to the basic ideas of visual art. Working with pencils, pastels, water color and salt dough, children will explore some basic elements of art including: color, use of space and proportion. (5-9 year-olds). Instructor: Anica Gomes (head of Art Department) When: June 13-24 (M, W, F), 9-10:15a

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Chaffe Zoo At Fresno Chaffee Zoo visitors can see more than 700 mammals, birds and reptiles as they tour the zoo. This is a fun learning experience for children of all ages. Zoo admission: $7 for adults, $3.50 for seniors and children ages 2-11, under 2 years free.

When: Open daily from 9a to 6p Where: 894 W. Belmont Ave., Fresno.

Contact: 498-5910 or www. fresnochaffeezoo.org

– Piano Presto

This class features a one-on-one, fun and simple way to learn the piano.

The class will introduce basic piano fundamentals and theory using “Alfred’s Basic Piano Library Lesson Book Level 1A”. (10-17 year-olds).

Instructor: Tyler Kast.

When: June 13-July 1 (M, W, F) (one hour sessions available 11-4p)

– Introduction to AfroCuban Conga Drumming

Students will be learn the basic fundamentals of conga drumming.

The class will cover techniques in tone and timing plus authentic cuban conga patterns. No experience needed. (10-17 year-olds). Instructor: Carlos Rodriguez (professional musician) When: June 21-July 7 (T, Th) 12-1p Where: 212 W. Main Street (above Marcela’s Home Store), Visalia

– Drawing and Painting

These classes will focus on a variety of drawing techniques including contour line, still life and portrait drawing. Elements of art such as line, space, texture, shape and form will be explored and incorporated into each lesson. Students will also explore the use of color using pastel and paint to create a final full color project.

(Curriculum will vary for the two different age groups.)

Instructor: Anica Gomes (head of Art Department).

When: June 27-July 8 (M, W, F) 9-10:30a (8-12 year old session) June 27-July 8 (M, W, F) 11-12:30a (14-17 year old session)

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Imagine U Interactive Children’s Museum

Imagine U offers a variety of weekly interactive exhibits, events and activities designed to entertain and engage your preschool child.

When: Wed.-Fri., 10a-4p; Saturday, 12p-4p When: 700 E. Main Street, Visalia Contact: 733-5975 or www. imagineumuseum.org

The Boys & Girls Club of Tulare County – Summer Camp 2011

The Boys & Girls Club offers fun, allday summer fun at the Visalia club.

Youth ages 6-12 are invited to join for just $50 a week, including a nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack. A great place for kids to meet friends, learn new skills and take away great memories.

When: June 8-Aug 17 Where: Boys & Girls Club, 215 W. Tulare Avenue, Visalia Contact: 625-4422 or bgclubtc.org

The Boys & Girls Club of The Sequoias

Offering children ages 6-18 development and training in computer technology, life skills, sports, art and music. Annual fee $15.

When: Monday-Friday, 2-6p Where: Exeter, Farmersville and Porterville Contact: 592-2711 or www. bgcsequoias.org

HAPPENINGS H

AgVentures at Heritage Complex

Agricultural Learning Center and Farm Equipment Museum with nearly 15 professionally designed interactive displays. Children learn about science and technology, food and nutrition, environmental issues, social studies and more!

When: Mon.-Fri., 9a-4p Where: International Agri Center, 4450 S. Laspina St., Tulare Contact: Venue Phone, 688-1751

Chaffee Zoo

At Fresno Chaffee Zoo visitors can see more than 700 mammals, birds and reptiles as they tour the zoo. This is a fun learning experience for children of all ages. Zoo admission: $7 for adults, $3.50 for seniors and children ages 2-11, under 2 years free.

When: Open daily from 9a to 6p Where: 894 W. Belmont Ave., Fresno.

Contact: 498-5910 or www. fresnochaffeezoo.org

Writers & Readers Tulare County Library First Tuesday Book Club (July 5, 6:30p) Mystery Readers (July 20, 6:30) Baby/Toddler Time (Tues. 10a) Preschool Story Time (Wed. 10am) Family Fun Friday (Fri. 1:30-5:30p) When: Call or visit website for more information.

Where:Tulare County Library, 200 W. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 713-2700 or www. tularecountylibrary.org

Event Listings If you would like to have your event considered for a free listing in our “Happenings� section, please email your submission to lifestyle@dmiagency.com or fax to 738-0909, Attention Happenings.

Please note, we do not guarantee listing of any submission. Submissions are due six weeks prior to publication.

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