COLLEGE VIEW M
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A few months ago, while campaigning for local office, I was fortunate to meet a group of students at Modesto Junior College and discuss local politics. While discussing issues, we talked about how news is provided to the public in small cities. One of the local publications that the students were familiar with was the ModestoView and I was able to create with Chris Murphy an opportunity for students to have a local voice in this magazine. This month, ModestoView is printing the first in a series of articles written by those students I met at Modesto Junior College. I applaud each for their efforts and desire to engage in the public discourse! – Todd Aaronson
KEEP YOUTH BUSY “Sports Corner” for the Youth by: Christopher Corcoran & Renee Munson The younger members of the community need to be able to find athletic teams and venues for play. Keeping the youth busy is vital to their futures because it keeps them involved and gives them goals and the opportunity to interact with other youth. The issues that are the most apparent are the lack of recreational facilities and opportunities. Children and young adults need facilities to socialize
with others that share the same interests and also expose them to diversity and keep them off of the streets and from getting in to trouble. I believe that the community needs more activities for our youth. The following are examples of activities that can be created for the youth. • 3 on 3 basketball at La Loma Junior High School on Friday and Saturday nights. • Game night in a local church basement with volunteer adult
experience. • Chess club could be held for youth ages 9-17 years old. Come down to the Maddox Youth Center Saturday mornings from 8 a.m.-noon. Adult supervision would be from volunteers. Free snacks and drinks could be provided through adult sponsors or parents. Youth could come and enjoy the fun!
supervision and minimal charge for soft drinks and snacks. • “Open Gym” at Riverbank High School Gym. Monday nights from 5:008:30 pm. $2 to get in and stay as long as you want! • Tiny Tots Soccer Camp for children ages 3-5 years who would be interested in learning ball control, trapping, kicking, movement and scrimmage. Volunteers are needed to help supervise and guide them through each drill and make this a fun learning
BUSINESS VIEW M
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VILLAGE BAKING COMPANY & CAFé The Village Baking Company on McHenry is not the same as you may remember from years gone by. About two years ago, Joanne Ramos purchased this Modesto landmark. After a successful accounting career, Joanne wanted to own her own business and “pay it forward” for all those who supported her over the years. She dreamt of a business where she could help young people in need of a stable working environment. When presented with the opportunity to purchase the Village Baking Company, Joanne reviewed the books and found herself a winner. Though she says she has never worked harder, she is having the most fun working ever. One of Joanne’s original goals was to create an atmosphere where people feel welcome; both customers and staff
By Christopher Corcoran & Renee Munson
By Todd Aaronson
(she employs 36 people). This has led to several changes in what you now see, hear, and taste. First, the décor changed; the café is painted a different color than the main bakery so guests can relax in a warmer environment. Secondly, several of the recipes have changed – to the point where Joanne even told a customer who missed the old cupcakes, “I want you to have the best cupcakes ever.” And Joanne set out to find the best recipe (go by and try them – you’ll agree). The shop is now open for dinner three nights a week – Thursday thru Saturday. The dinner features comfort food (and Joanne’s new favorite dish, the nuttela crepe). Along with expanding the outdoor dining area and patio, the Village Baking Company features a
Sunday mornings hot breakfast, new roasted coffee, and music that provides a gentle background. In addition, they are offering outside catering and food trays for all types of events. The staff and quality of the pastries and food let you know that Joanne’s other goals of “Great Food” and “Great Service” are being achieved. No matter how she crunches the numbers, Joanne knows that this combination of service and food quality relate to sound business growth. Joanne believes she has created an atmosphere that makes a difference on people’s day as well, recounting the story of Angelo and Wally, who, in their 90’s, still visit weekly. They recently told her, “We love what you’re doing.” It’s comments like this that make Joanne happy and the register ring.
Village Baking Company & Café McHenry Village @ 1700 McHenry Ave www.VillageBakingCompany.com 209.522.9057
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