Lifestyles apr may 2015

The Magazine For San Joaquin

Kendra’s Confections

So Sweet

april/may 2015 ■ sanjoaquinlifestyles.com

l e t t e r

f r o m

t h e

e d i t o r

Publisher Roger Coover

Publication Director Deitra R. Kenoly The Magazine For San Joaquin

Random Thoughts Conserve Anticipating the rain that never came, I am

The beautiful new Lincoln Farmhouse was

feeling a bit guilty about the beautiful sunshine

featured as the perfect venue for an outdoor

and perfect days. We need water. But this

party. It’s a revived, lovely wedding venue,

weather is amazing. Giving in to the reality that

private party and fundraising destination. Such

spring is truly here, I am also thinking about our

a perfect story for our February bridal issue!

continued need for water. As the weather begins

A popular option for all the brides! And yes,

to turn warm, be aware of the water you are

part of the phone number got transposed.

using. We need to conserve.

The correct number is 209-227-4802. Our

Bless the lady on the other end of the line.

apologies to the fine people who coordinate

It happens to all of us some time or another.

the activities at The Lincoln Farmhouse, and

And when you’re proofing 104 pages of a

especially to the sweet lady that has been

magazine, missing a “typo” can easily happen.

answering her phone since February 1st.

And of course, a typo really stands out. But when

Get out there, support the community

that typo happens to be a phone number, well,

and enjoy!

they are hard to catch. The first person to know

Our Mark the Date calendar on page 66 is

it’s a wrong number is to poor person who is

packed with activities to enjoy! We are blessed

getting all the calls to “book their wedding.”

to live in a community that is so enthusiastic

They were just quietly enjoying an afternoon

about supporting local nonprofits, outdoor fun,

watching Wheel of Fortune. Call after call. Egads.

food festivals and car shows! So much to do.

Yes, such was the case in our last issue.

Enjoy. 

Editor Carrie Sass

MANAGING Editor Karen Bakhtegan

Graphic Designers Jason Ente Dan Loeffelbein

Contributing WRITERS Sue Daugherty Charleen Earley Eunice Green, NHD Dennis Hall Doris Hobbs Samira Jahangiri Rod Johnson Leah Myers Jennifer Torres Siders Susan Michener Spracher

Contributing Photographers Ashlee Blackard Charleen Earley Elizabeth Esau Richard Fisher Alicia Messinger Lindsay Ortez Photography Helen Ripken Ulmer Photography

Carrie Sass Please continue to forward story ideas to: The Record/Lifestyles Magazine, 530 E. Market Street, Stockton 95202 or call: 209-546-8351; or email: kbakhtegan@recordnet.com

To advertise in Lifestyles magazine, call 209-546-8200 Lifestyles is published six times a year by The Record, 530 E. Market Steet, Stockton, CA 95202. All information written for publication in Lifestyles is believed to be accurate. Readers must assume all responsibility for their own actions based on this information. Occasionally a product or company may be named in an article, but does not constitute an endorsement of said product. Lifestyles assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

Photos and content become the sole property of Lifestyles and may be used, published or edited without limit or obligation to the author. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction is prohibited without the permission of the publisher. For more information, go to sanjoaquinlifestyles.com.

On the cover: KENDRA‘S CONFECTIONS PHOTO BY Alicia Messinger

$3.95 Value

The Magazine For San Joaquin

07 11 16

FEATURE

CONTENTS

Weigum’s Lodi Nursery CREATIVE WATER GARDEN GREEN VALLEY LANDSCAPING

WINE CRITIC 22 PICNICS WITH ABUNDANCE

WINE SPIRITS 25 SIP… SIP… SIP… CALIFORNIA

4 O’CLOCK MARTINI

28 SPRING FASHION WITH A SIDE OF MARTINIS

SAVOR 29 KENDRA’S CONFECTIONS 34 3 GREAT PLACES TO TAKE MOM

EDUCATION 37 HEALTH CAREERS ACADEMY

OUT AND ABOUT 39 MUD RUN 2015 43 FESTA ITALIANA

SWEET CHARITY 40 KENTUCKY DERBY WEST 60 LET’S FACE IT TOGETHER

46 56 62

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

COUSINS IN REAL ESTATE FRANK’S SHOE SHINE O’CONNOR WOODS

THE ARTS 50 Robert Fulton Laird

FASHION 52 SPRING STYLE

PEEK A BOUTIQUE 54 BURTON’S SHOES

HEALTH & WELLNESS 59 ESSENTIAL OILS 65 SPRING CLEAN YOUR LIFE

MARK THE DATE 66 LOCAL ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

FE A T U RE

Spring is Here

A

Story and photos by Charleen Earley

people and plant lover, Vern Weigum and his family have been

colorizing Lodi for the last 59 years with an array of flowers, trees, shrubs and love.

Retired from General Motors as a machine operator and inspector for 26 years, Vern planted his feet firmly into his second career with his parents’ Weigum’s Lodi Nursery with his late wife LeeAnn, whom he married while she

was still a senior at Lodi High School.

“She passed away six years ago. We were married for 50 years exactly,” recalls Vern, father of three grown kids, 10 grandkids and three greatgrandkids. “She ran the front of the shop while I worked outside. One of our granddaughters, Jennifer Weigum, helps on Saturdays.” 

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FE A T U RE

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After World War II, Vern’s dad Herb worked yard maintenance in

he highly recommends.

the late ’40s for others, until he went solo, and eventually opened his

“You always want to fertilize over a long period of

own shop in 1956, now in its third location for the last 30 years on a

time with a slow release,” assures Vern, who attended

full-acre parcel.

Stockton College and Biola University.

Inside the store, 1950s music wafts through the air overhead while

Longtime employee Debbie Haynes of Lodi says they carry lots of

you’re surrounded by country charm and real birds chirping – shelves

bonsai, from starters to finished trees, and with California’s drought

full with knickknacks and gift items, complete with the neighbor’s

trends, succulents and cactus are in demand.

A self-taught plant-man, Vern loves his family, his ’56 Chevy Bel

friendly cat on the counter, in a box, waiting to be petted.

Sorry, the birds are not for sale.

Air and Azaleas, but it’s his customers – who are like family – he talks

The last of seven retail nurseries in Lodi, Vern’s loyal customers

about a lot.

– mostly homeowners – come from Lodi, Woodbridge, Stockton,

“I love the people,” says Vern. “I don’t care if I make a lot of money, it’s all about the people.” 

Lockeford, Victor and beyond.

“I pride myself in knowing 99 percent of our customers’ names,” said Vern, 78, a born-and-raised Lodian, with 600 in-house charge accounts. “I also buy from exceptionally good, local wholesale growers.”

Vern, who is very active in his community serving the Lodi Historical

Weigum’s Lodi Nursery

Society, Tree Lodi, and Lodi Community Concert Association, donates

401 N. Ham Lane • Lodi

to various local charities when he can, including Lodi House and Lodi

209-369-6288

Salvation Army.

He loves to give plant care advice to his customers, telling them how watering is crucial, and to use Osmocote, one of a few good fertilizers

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2 015 40th Annual Susan B. Anthony Awards

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Amanda and Jon Tison C

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Lea Isetti, Lita Wallach, Sandy Stoddard, Jackie Sahargun and Mary Pennini

Paul, Stella and Emily Fulton E

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Rhonda Sanders, John and Melinda Niemi

Essie Gilchrist, Helen Smith, JoAnne Garrett and Dorothy Nishioka Photos bY HELEN RIPKEN

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FE A T U RE

Joyful

Gardening

by Leah Myers Photos by Ashlee Blackard

D

eni and Patrick Sullivan have spent

the last 19 years making Creative Water Gardens a place where you can find everything you need to create a pond in your yard, buy aquatic plants, fountains, garden art, fish and fish supplies. Yet their unique inventory is only part of the reason why loyal customers often return from across the state. 

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Located in Escalon, at CWG you will find knowledgeable and friendly staff who will provide free, personalized service that includes teaching you how to build and maintain a pond, as well as education on the right equipment, pond liners and all the supplies needed for a clear, healthy, low-energy pond.

In addition, CWG sells fish food and offers free water testing for fish disease diagnosis.

Keeping it all in the family, Deni and Patrick‘s daughter Kimberly instructs a free class every month at CWG where she teaches people how to build ponds and waterfalls.

Another added benefit for customers who live more than one hour away will be the convenience of shopping from home or anywhere. CWG will soon add an online store to their website, where a variety of products can be purchased.

Deni Sullivan said, “one of my favorite parts about ownership is the room for creativity when building a pond or waterfall.”

Because every customer has a different need  Continued on page 14

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FE A T U RE

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for size, shape, et cetera, each project requires special attention to detail to ensure the job meets their customers’ preference.

In an effort to stay on-trend, Deni and Patrick often attend several trade shows every year. In the past, they have traveled to trade shows as far away as Germany and Vancouver, British Columbia. Deni always looks for new products which she can introduce to her customers in an attempt to keep things fresh and interesting. For the Sullivans, this is more than a business; it is a passion for landscaping and beautifying a personal outdoor space, which is evident in everything they do. 

Creative Water Gardens 19777 McHenry Avenue • Escalon A mile south of Highway 120 209-838-8650 www.creativewatergardens.biz

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FE A T U RE

Green Valley LandscapING Shares Latest Trends for a Beautiful Yard PHOTOS AND STORY BY CHARLEEN EARLEY

W

hen

Cal

Bowser

made

a

blueprint in his architect class for his future home while a senior at Stagg High in Stockton, he had no idea he would end up becoming one of San Joaquin County’s homeowners’ choices for landscaping.

Stonewood Development agreed to build his house – making allowances for heating and air and other necessities young Bowser forgot to factor in – and liked his blueprints so much, they asked to buy them, and built another house next door.

Bowser did his own landscaping and was asked to do the neighbor’s as well. One house led to another, and before Bowser knew it, he was landscaping blocks at a time.

“I thought, whoa, I have to get a license now!” said Bowser, who was born in Lodi, and raised in Stockton.

Married to Linda with two sons in their 40s, Bowser got his contractor’s license in 1979 and has been landscaping and hardscaping homeowners yards ever since as owner of Green Valley Landscape.

He installs sod, trees, water fountains, boulders, gazebos, irrigation, sprinklers, timers and flatwork for walkways and driveways. 

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FE A T U RE

“People think landscaping is ‘mow-and-blow,’ but it’s not – that’s

architectural in design.”

Grass is different, too.

maintenance,” said Bowser.

Because of California’s drought trends, drought-resistant plants and

“Grasses are much more drought-tolerant than they used to grow five years ago,” added Bowser. “You shouldn’t water your lawn every

new watering systems are what’s in, explained Bowser.

“We have switched to different watering systems that use 50 percent less water. They don’t spray now; it’s a fine stream, more

day for five to 10 minutes – now you can go every third day, using minimal gallons of water a week.”

controllable,” said Bowser. “A regular spray uses two gallons of water

Bowser gives homeowners a tip about mulching their shrubbery.

a minute, where the new one uses two gallons an hour, and goes much

“The mulch holds the moisture in for weeks,” he said. “It saves the

slower (like a rotor) so the water sinks into the lawns and doesn’t run

homeowner a lot of money and water. There is some really good-looking

down the driveway.”

mulch out there. It’s not expensive, but a little time-consuming.”

He said popular drought-resistant shrubs this season are those that

“I also enjoy using crepe myrtle for their dynamic, dark red and

can go a week without watering, such as privet (flowering shrub) and

oleanders because they are hardy and drought-resistant,” said Bowser.

heavenly bamboo (known as nandina or sacred bamboo).

“They also have a beautiful red flowering.” 

“They’re colorful, not just green, and can be shaped into anything,” said Bowser. “The important thing is that it can do very well without being watered every day and still maintain a nice-looking yard.”

A big fan of olive trees for their aesthetics, Bowser said people can buy fruitless olive trees, or use a chemical to spray on them once a year to keep them from bearing the annoying fruits they drop.

Green Valley Landscaping Cal Bowser

“Olive trees are my favorite because they’re blue-grey, not

209-401-1905

green,” he said. “I like to prune them very thin and whispery. They’re

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Cool It !

I

Most homes built over 15 years ago

t’s about that time of year again to start thinking

about those high summer cooling bills. With electric rates continuing to rise, that certainly is a concern.

Fortunately, there are several cost-effective

measures to reduce costs:

• Use programmable thermostats and set the temperature higher when you’re away from home.

• Keep curtains and blinds closed during the day.

• Change A/C filters regularly.

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have less than 6 inches of attic insulation.

New standard and PG&E recommendations are at least 10 inches.

The newest and most exciting way to reduce cooling costs is to use cool, clean, filtered outside air with Mother Nature’s free cooling. Instead of old, rather expensive ways to operate, where whole house fans pulled in unfiltered air through the windows, these new systems introduce fresh, filtered air that is delivered through

• Get your ductwork checked for leaks. PG&E says this can save you up to 20% year-round.

the existing duct system into each room

• Make sure your outside A/C is clear of obstructions, and kept clean of dust, and debris.

switching over to the new system is paid

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of the house. In most cases, the cost of back in savings within 5 years. 

Bunny Thumper Tales Name: Hi, my name is Thumper.

Guilty pleasure: I love scratching and chewing on blankets.

I am: I am a part of a breed called Jersey Wooly.

Age: I’m 1 year and 6 months old.

Favorite place to hang out: I love hanging out in the green grass.

Naughtiest deed: I scratched my owner’s best friend and she started bleeding.

Most recent accomplishment: I climbed the stairs!

Where I go to get beautiful: My owner does all my grooming

Amazing bunny tricks: I can come when called, I can jump from the floor to a bed or couch, and I also listen when someone says “No.”

Other interesting info about me: My favorite foods are bananas and carrots. Some say I look like Chewbacca.

And I don’t like when people watch me eat vegetables.

Favorite place to walk: There is this big garden I like to run around in and just play with my owner.

Adopted parent: Emma Smith.

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Terry and Nancy Sage, Wendy and Jim Coddington

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Peter and Charlene Martin Arturo Vera and Don DeVold Susan Eggman and Rich Ibarra

g r a p e v i n e

Picnics Abundance with

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BY DENNIS HALL

arely and abundantly are diametrically opposing adverbs

the feel of an old world décor. The courtyard is where you’ll find picnic

accenting our eclectic social lifestyles, yet Abundance Vineyards of our

tables and benches with repurposed barrel stave chairs and a fire pit.

Lodi Appellation delivers both adverbs to you simultaneously. After

This assembly area leads you to the tasting room with its polished

the four elements of earth, fire, water, and air in ancient and medieval

wooden bar and boutique.

philosophy reins quinta essentia, the fifth essence. Ah, let Abundance

Cara Slater, the general manager, poured for me Abundance

Vineyards wine be that quintessential essence of your picnic enjoyment.

Vineyards‘ 2013 Chardonnay that I found not over-the-top with its light

Picnicking is a rare indulgence for most of us, so I recommend

buttery flavor all the way to tangy finish. The “Char” pairs great with

doing it abundantly. It is aromatherapy with Mother Nature. Focusing

poultry sandwiches and potato or macaroni salads. She then presented

your enjoyment on wines bouquets, savored sips pairing with bites of

an accompanying 2013 Verdelho where you will gain aromatherapy of

scrumptious foods and desserts assures vacation splendor.

its light floral bouquet with a slight teasing bite of grapefruit on the

You can travel thousands of miles to Tuscany, or simply visit

nostrils. A long inhalation finds a vanilla effervescence. You’ll have fun

Abundance Vineyards on Turner Road west of Lodi and east of

enjoying both of these wines with your main picnic appetizers of breads

Interstate 5. The winery and grounds are Tuscan-style with crunchy

dipped in olive oils along with munches of macaroni, potato, or seafood

granite surfaces of walkways and parking areas amid shade trees. The

salads, and entrees of light chicken sandwiches, or vegetarian, or vegan

winery’s architecture has all the characteristics of a Tuscan villa with its

fare. Last, but not least, she poured for dessert the 2013 Moscoto which

crimson colors, stone floors, curved archways, and passageways. The

I suggest pairs wonderfully with cheesecake or lemon cake or bars. This

stucco walls have cracks intentionally designed into them for exuding

dessert fruit bomb can’t help but make you grin. Incredibly fragrant 

a p r i l /ma y 2 0 1 5

with a back-end tasting punch that prompts exclamations of “Wow!” You can enjoy Abundance Vineyards wines with your evening picnics during Abundance Vineyards’ free Fire Pit Fridays that ignite at 6 p.m. every other Friday from November through April. There is typically live music accompaniment for your enjoyment of wine, food, and great company. Their wine is the only wine allowed on site, moreover. Guests may bring their own picnic foods and desserts.

It is imperative that you visit Abundance Vineyards to taste and buy wines if you want to abundantly cherish your picnics. Bon appetite! 

Dennis Hall is a freelance writer, author, entrepreneur, and San Joaquin County advocate.

Dennis advises SipCalifornia.com, a wine-industry business.

Dennis.SipCalifornia@gmail.com 916-541-1992

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Kimio Bazett, Amy Pijl, Chris and Suzanne Adam

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Bill and Gina Barney

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Brad and Annelisa Butcher

Barbara and Barry McCandless

Oretha and Hattie Jones

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California!

S

Sip... Sip... Sip

By Dennis Hall PHOTO BY ELIZABETH ESAU

ipping wine is delectable. Sipping California wine is

fabulous! So if you sip California wines, you sip California.

So it only makes sense that a business promoting California’s wines be named Sip California. 

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g r a p e v i n e

Dana and Dennis Hall began touring California’s many wine regions in 1982. As they explored they shared their passion for wine, wineries,

restaurants, our homes, and giving or receiving as gifts. Finding those wines is the key.

and the whole wine culture with many friends, relatives, co-workers, and

Sip California markets four distinct Wine Experience Cards: the Lodi

frankly, complete strangers over 30 years. They always had wine region

Wine Experience Card, The Sacramento Valley & Sierra Foothills Wine

maps readily available to give out along with pamphlets for wineries.

Experience Card, the Napa Valley Wine Experience Card, and Sonoma

Having people discover wine with them, whether as their companions

Wine Experience Card. All are sold in a variety of ways, such as via retail

on wine tasting trips, or simply as a benefactors for other wine lovers’

sales direct to customers in tasting rooms, e-commerce through the

enjoyment, they just wanted people to learn about and enjoy California’s

website SipCalifornia.com, and fundraising for nonprofit organizations

wineries and wines.

using e-commerce fundraising-tracking codes.

While running her former fundraising business for nonprofits,

Guests to wineries’ tasting rooms without a Sip California card

including sports teams, Dana conceived of a wine-industry business to

typically pay from about $7 to $40 or more for each person tasting.

immerse herself in the culture. She was also blogging about their favorite

Sip California cardholders enjoy a unique savings at each partnering

wineries, and through correspondence with wineries regarding her posts

tasting room ranging from complimentary tastings for one or two, to a

came upon the epiphany to launch her business: Sip California.

percentage off of wine purchases. Sip California describes each tasting

Sip California looked first to the Lodi Appellation. Our vintners

room’s offer on its website: SipCalifornia.com.

deliver us a bounty of exquisite wines we can enjoy in tasting rooms,

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The Lodi Sip California Wine Experience Card is currently $50, 

g r a p e v i n e

allowing presentation at some 22 tasting rooms located throughout Lodi, Lockeford, Acampo, Woodbridge, Stockton, and the countryside all yearround. Says Dana Hall, “With about 21 tasting rooms, you have an abundance of discovery fun in store.”

Sip California introduces wine lovers to wineries of which they were not familiar. Inside each distinct tasting room, it is a wonderful odyssey of discovery, including making new friends with the staff and customers. For the community as a whole, the business of wine tasting translates to increased commerce at every turn. Wine lovers explore joining wine clubs, purchasing wines, studying wineries as wedding and meeting venues, buying tasting room’s merchandise, plus restaurants, shops, fuel stops, and lodging.

Sip California assists nonprofit organizations with fundraising. The organizations have no up-front cost and use a simple process to inform people about the Sip California fundraiser. The campaign lasts a short while, concluding with a check mailed to the nonprofit organization.

Sip California develops events including its “Ferrari Roads,” the cross-promotion of Sip California with Ferrari San Francisco, and Maserati of Marin. This cross-promotion involves rallies of ten to fifteen Ferrari or Maserati owners arriving at wineries so everyone may study the Ferraris and Maseratis up close, and meet and get acquainted with the owners. It’s a grand time!

So remember when you’re sipping California wines, you Sip California. 

LIFE S T Y LE

C OL U MN

A word lounge. Stirred. Shaken. Straight up. Take a sip.

Spring Fashion with a Side of Martinis

T

By Susan Michener Spracher

here’s no doubt the arrival of spring is welcome. It brings the

like Elaine’s dance moves from Seinfeld. The pants still come up tight.

promise of longer, warmer days, bright new flowers in the garden, sitting

I pinch my side and say in my best Al Pacino voice, “say hello to my

outside around the barbecue… ahhh, it’s lovely. One thing that spring

little friend.” We both find this hilarious and laugh almost until we cry.

brings that’s always interesting is the switchover of your closet. The

Moving on to a collection of swimsuit cover-ups that I’ve been curating

transition of your wardrobe from winter to spring/summer can be great

for 10+ years, I put on a cargo-looking dress to which my friend says

and not so much, at the same time.

vehemently, “oh NO! Get that off, you look like a stewardess. And not in

If you’re a woman you get at least a twinge of what I’m talking

a good way. Give me that, I never want to see it on you again.” I remove

about here. If you’re a guy, consider this another thing that we women

the offending dress, hand it over and she puts it in the wastebasket

go through that you’re exempt from. Just go on whistling your happy,

straight away.

manly tune because your wardrobe flows almost effortlessly through

Bless you if you’re the kind of gal that stays the same size from

the seasons and fits in one closet year-round. Going on a trip to a warm

season to season and has kept up with wardrobe purging. If what I’ve

climate in January forced me to face this situation prematurely this year,

described sounds vaguely familiar, my suggestion is this; invite your best,

and it wasn’t pretty. Thank goodness I had my BFF on hand to help

honest friend over, ply her with a martini and dig into the task of bringing

me start the process of digging into the storage containers holding the

out your next season’s clothes. Afterwards take your friend shopping to

clothes of summers past.

fill in some new, on-trend pieces as a reward for good purging. And have

Packing a suitcase for a weekend seemed easy enough. Excitedly I

another martini; you’ve earned it. 

came across my all-time favorite white jeans. Side note: you know how

~Cheers!

difficult it is to find a good pair of jeans, right? Finding a pair in white is nearly impossible. Which is why I paid a ridiculous amount of money for them 7 years ago. Let’s just say, me and these jeans have been having a

fouroclockmartini.com

longer-term relationship than I’ve had with most men. So I try the jeans

facebook/thefouroclockmartini

on and am HORRIFIED that Christmas is hanging over the waistband.

twitter@absolutelySusan

I say to my friend, as if it’s not obvious, “what the hell is this?” She replies, “oh dear. Try some deep knee bends.” I not only do knee bends but perform a bizarre form of pant-stretching yoga that looks somewhat

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S A V O R

Entrepreneurship is Sweet with

Kendra’s Confections

BY SUSAN MICHENER SPRACHER PHOTOS BY ALICIA MESSINGER

K

endra Nunez is effervescent and her

enthusiasm infectious as she describes becoming an entrepreneur through the start-up last year of her business Kendra’s Confections. Perhaps her excitement is evident because searching for the right career led her to discover that, “the road to success wasn’t going to be conventional.”

Working in administrative jobs for several years as a young single mother, Nunez decided nursing would be a solid field to go into and began pursuing a degree. She soon found out it wasn’t a fit. Looking for an alternative, Nunez switched to culinary arts, recalling how as a child she had pored over her mother’s cookbooks, particularly fascinated by candies and cookies.

Obtaining her degree, she began working in the restaurant business. Finding the job didn’t allow for much expression of her own creativity and passion for cooking, Nunez decided to 

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sav o r

stay home and mother her family, which now included two young sons. She joined a church and found herself with the time to create desserts for their functions.

Coinciding with positive feedback on her sweets and a desire to do something that would be an investment in her future without taking time away from her children, Nunez planned to offer chocolate-dipped strawberries for Valentine’s Day. Using social media and a flyer, the berries were a hit and soon people were requesting other treats like cake pops. Initially skeptical that the treat wasn’t that special, Nunez quickly found that she could make them so, seeing them as another palette for her designs.

The initial success gave Nunez a goal; she would use the new business to fund her upcoming wedding. 

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Every month and holiday offered new opportunities and soon

and serve by following her inner voice and perusing her passion to offer

Nunez discovered that she had tapped into a passion for handcrafting

artisanal items. She likes being in control of her own destiny and looking at

items that couldn’t be found in stores. With it came a realization that

the bigger picture to build something, saying, “woman entrepreneurship

her patience, creativity and love of working with her hands had likely

is a powerful thing” that teaches about knowing your own worth and

been passed on to her by her father, a Navajo who did handcrafted

following your own plan. No doubt Nunez has found her sweet spot.

leather working before passing away when Nunez was two years old.

The class will be two sessions on May 2 and 9 at 11:00 a.m.

Her repertoire of treats has grown to include chocolate-covered

at Macaronage Macarons, 7610 Pacific Avenue, Suite B6 in Stockton.

Oreos, pretzels, and cheesecake. Popcorn balls come in various colors

Call 209-955-0857 or visit the shop for more information and to

and flavors of salted caramel and rocky road. She offers fresh fruit

sign up. 

bouquets, tarts, and has added vegan treats like chocolate and peanut butter truffles. She plans to also offer non-dairy and gluten-free treats.

In addition to special orders for every occasion, Kendra’s Confections

Kendras Confections

are now available at both locations of Macaronage Macaron Bakery in

orderkendrasconfections@gmail.com

Stockton. Nunez plans to expand her brand with online tutorials via her

www.kendrasconfections.com

blog and is offering her first in-person classes in May on how to make

www.facebook.com/kendrasconfections

chocolate-covered strawberry and macaron bouquets.

In just a year’s time Nunez says her business has taught her to stand

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Carol and Mike Hakeem

sav o r

3 Great Places to Dine with Mom

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BY LEAH MYERS

other’s Day is almost

menu with bottomless mimosas, French toast, and

here again, and there are delicious

more. Everything on the menu is made with fresh,

restaurant options in Stockton and Lodi

local ingredients. Not only can you expect delicious,

where you can celebrate to show all the

gourmet food at a fair price, but the ambiance and

mothers how much they are appreciated.

friendly staff will make you feel like family while you are

Each local restaurant has its own unique

there. Located on the Miracle Mile, close to University

offerings, so you don’t have to travel far to find

of the Pacific, this Stockton restaurant combines great

delicious food served with flair and personality.

food in an upscale, modern refreshing environment.

Located downtown, next to the Stockton Arena, you

In Lodi’s wine country on Highway 12, you will

will find the Delta Bistro located inside the University

find Michael David Winery Café, also known as Phillips

Plaza Waterfront Hotel. At the restaurant, a calendar

Farm Restaurant. It is a quaint, farm café, market and

of holiday events are celebrated throughout the year,

tasting room blended into one cozy setting where

including Mother’s Day Brunch and Easter Brunch.

delicious farm-style breakfast and lunch is served daily

Delta Bistro’s menu features an American-style Sunday

with an abundance of fresh, local produce, breads and

brunch with mimosas, a full lunch and dinner menu

desserts. The homemade soups and fresh-baked pies

along with craft cocktails and wine. The hotel and its

keep customers coming back for more. Should there

events have helped to revitalize Stockton’s image, and

be a brief wait for a table, customers can gladly help

gives people a good reason to go downtown.

themselves to the free samples of banana and zucchini

The AVE on the Mile is another wonderful option

bread while they wait to be seated. Michael David’s

to take mom and the family to for brunch or dinner.

popular 7 Deadly Zins, Earthquake and Incognito wines

During their “Sunday Funday Brunch,” served from 10

are also on the menu. The café is open seven days a

a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday, you will find an extensive

week from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

AVE

The Delta

Phillips

on the Mile

Bistro & Lounge

Farm Cafe

2333 Pacific Avenue

110 W. Fremont Street

4580 W. Highway 12

STOCKTON

STOCKTON

LODI

209-462-5283

209-323-3131

209-368-7384

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DINING local restaurants

To advertise in

CALL 209-546-8200 The Magazine For San Joaquin

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Samantha Baglietto and John Scanlan

Don Felkins, Roy S.O. Henderson and Frank Rauzi

Dolly French, Jose Vaga and Betty Costa

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ED U C A TION

Life Support

Health Careers Academy celebrates community partnerships and its first-ever graduating class

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By Jennifer Torres-Siders

hen a new school year begins at Stockton’s Health Careers Academy, a panel

of community partners – this past fall, there were 30 in all – assembles on campus to welcome students.

“That really sets the tone,” Principal Traci Miller explains. “It says to them, “We’re here supporting you – before you even walk through the door, we’re supporting you.”

Now, as the high school prepares to celebrate the graduation of its first senior class, community connections remain among its greatest strengths and accomplishments, Miller says.

Moses

Elam,

Stockton-Modesto

physician-in-chief

for

the

Permanente Medical Group, has visited the campus to speak.

Sutter Gould Medical Foundation has hosted a professional  Linda Zaro and Dayvon Patterson

37

medical fair for students, and organizations including Health Plan of San Joaquin have donated money for equipment and supplies.

“I think I am most proud of how the community has embraced a public school and really circled around it and made personal connections with the people who walk through the school doors,” Miller says. “Our folks don’t just say they gave $100 to a school.

They say they gave $100 to this particular student so she could buy scrubs or he could go on a field trip. I’m so proud of the personal connections.”

Located in midtown Stockton’s University Park, Health Careers Academy opened in August 2011. It offers a college-preparatory curriculum alongside career and technical courses focused on the health field. Some classes even earn students college credit.

Dayvon Patterson, 17, started attending Health Careers Academy midway through his junior year. He had been referred by a counselor at Stagg High after expressing interest in a career in gastroenterology.

“Socially and academically, I’ve really blossomed here,” says Patterson, who plans to study biochemistry at University of the Pacific in the fall. “It’s a nurturing environment. Everybody wants the best for you.”

Traci Miller, who had spent most of her career as a school counselor, was working as an assistant principal at Chavez High School when then-Stockton Unified Superintendent Carl Toliver invited her to open a new, health career-themed high school.

“In the beginning, it was like this 5,000-piece puzzle,” Miller recalls. “But piece by piece, with the community’s support, it has all come together.”

Now, Miller is cheering along with the first group of Health Careers Academy seniors who, this spring, began to receive college-admissions letters.

“They have great schools they have to choose among: We have acceptances from San Jose State, University of the Pacific, UC Merced… It’s changing daily.”

Senior Linda Zaro, 17, is among the first group of students to have spent all four high school years at Health Careers Academy.

She’s still deciding where to attend college, but has several options and plans to study biology.

“It feels amazing to see how we’ve grown,” she says. “You’re going to be hearing a whole lot about Health Careers Academy.” 

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O U T

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A B O U T

The Biggest ‘Lil Mud Runner

Eagal Lakes Resort

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PHOTO COURTESY OF EAGAL LAKES

s spring quickly approaches, Eagal Lakes is gearing up for

course designed for children ages 4 to 13 with opt-out options and

their highly anticipated ‘Lil Mud Runner 2015. It is the Central Valley’s

smaller obstacles for the little ones, and more challenging obstacles for

hottest, family oriented, mud running event. Demand grew so much

the bigger kids. We have also added the very popular “family wave”

last year that Eagal Lakes had to extend it into a two-day event. In

for parents that would like to run the course and compete with their

addition to MUD FUN, this year they are making it even bigger by

children. The parents seem to really enjoy this addition.

including a kid’s carnival. Now kids can play carnival games, bounce in

All participants will receive an official ’Lil Mud Runner event shirt,

bouncy houses, eat treats, speed across the lake in a towable ski tube,

custom race number, swag bag and a entry ticket for drawing for

and much more. ‘Lil Mud Runner 2015 is now packed with more fun

fabulous prizes. A percentage of the proceeds for the event will benefit

activities than ever before!

Boys & Girls Club.

“This is such a great event because it gives children an opportunity

Eagal Lakes also urges people to bring their own pop-ups, sun

to get dirty and play in the mud without consequences, while parents

umbrellas, and beach towels to settle down and enjoy the day. Learn

can join in the fun or just sit back and watch the action,” said Anne

more and register online at eagallakes.com 

Langley, sports and nature academy coordinator. “We expanded ‘Lil Mud Runner to a two-day event because we wanted all the children who had weekend obligations for sports or family to have a chance to participate.”

‘Lil Mud Runner 2015 will take place at Eagal Lakes Resort in Tracy,

Eagal Lakes 12 W. Lorenzen Road • Tracy, CA 95304 209-640-4252

CA on May 16 and 17. This event will feature a one-mile obstacle

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Saturday, May 2, 2015 Sargent Equestrian Center • 5757 E. Sargent Road, Lodi

F

www.hospicesj.org • 209-922-0380

or the second year, Hospice of San Joaquin Butterfly Auxiliary Lodi is

proud to present Kentucky Derby West, with proceeds going to the operation

cheer your favorite horse on!

Hospice of San Joaquin comforts and supports patients and families

of Hospice House.

40

spirit of Kentucky Derby by symbolically owning one of the horses, or just

You can watch the Run for the Roses live from Churchill Downs at Sargent

through the final phase of one’s amazing life journey. Hospice House is

Equestrian Center in Lodi, while sipping on mint juleps in a traditional julep

there for those patients who can no longer continue on this final journey,

cup and enjoying martinis in the Derby Salon, with local wineries featured in

and need the caring support of medical, social and spiritual professionals

the Churchill Wine Gardens.

around the clock in their homes. The Butterfly Auxiliaries collectively

Dinner, Southern sweets, and local wines will be served in the Grandstand

contribute proceeds from fundraising events to help maintain the house.

Terrace, and you can take part in exciting silent and live auctions. Join in the

Over 1,600 patients and families have been served since October 2004. 

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A Celebration of All Things Italian

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By Charleen Earley PHOTOS BY ULMER PHOTOGRAPHY

tep into the home of any full-blooded Italian and you will understand what family is all about, plus

you will never leave hungry – which is exactly what you will experience at the Third Annual Festa Italiana in Lodi.

Authentic Italian culture is what six local Italian non-profit organizations have in store on May 31, and with the $5 advance entrance fee, free parking, children 12 and under free, there’s no excuse not to attend.

“We will have traditional music, authentic Italian food, the best accordion players, traditional Italian 

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dance, Italian autos, Italian bicycles, marionettes, bounce houses, face-

A B O U T

“Our goal is to share the culture with everyone.”

painting, ‘kiss me I’m Italian’ gifts, ceramics and more made from Italy

Funds raised through the festival go back into the Italian community

for sale,” said Andrea Songey-Neff, Executive Director of Pacific Italian

through student scholarships, refurbishing bocce ball courts, and a

Alliance. “It has to be Italian to be here!”

community book called Italians of San Joaquin County, which will be

Publicity Chair of the event Ben Filippini said agriculture is why many Italians immigrated to the San Joaquin area.

“Because it’s so much like our home in Italy – the cherries and walnuts – only without the hills! Our event focuses on the agriculture aspect with olive oils, pies made from fresh produce – it’s a focus of what all the Italians brought to the area.”

available for sale at the event.

“We will also have a drawing at the travel booth to win a trip to Italy, worth $2500! We are only selling 300 tickets at $20 a ticket,” said Songey-Neff.

“This is the only Italian festival put on by the Italian community!” she added. 

The nonprofits involved in the event are Pacific Italian Alliance, Liguri Nel Mondo, Central California School of Italian Language & Culture, Italian Gardeners’ Society, Italian Athletic Club and Bersaglieri.

Run solely by volunteers and using only local vendors, festival planners are expecting the same, if not more, than last year’s attendance of 4,000 – except this year its new location is at the Lodi Grape Festival & Harvest fairgrounds.

“This is the Italian community coming together to celebrate the Italian culture and it’s for everyone. It’s for families,” said Songey-Neff.

3rd Annual Festa Italiana – Giorno Della Famiglia Sunday, May 31 • 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lodi Grape Festival & Harvest fairgrounds www.festa-italiana.com 209-242-9970 $5 advance tickets, $7 at entrance 12 years and under – FREE

The Magazine For San Joaquin

OPPORTUNITY AT HOME Cousins in real estate return to their San Joaquin County roots

F

by JENNIFER TORRES-SIDERS COURTESY OF GREENLAW PARTNERS

inding potential where others see only risk is part of a family legacy

that cousins Wilbur Smith and Fritz Huber of Greenlaw Partners are carrying into their own work in real estate investment, development and management.

Smith, founder of Greenlaw Partners, named the Orange Countybased company after his grandfather, Greenlaw Grupe Sr., who alongside partner F. Leroy Sims, pioneered the development of Lincoln Village and changed the landscape of Stockton’s growth.

“At the time, people didn’t think Lincoln Village would amount to much,” Smith says.

Smith launched Greenlaw Partners in 2003 and said the company is fueled, at least in part, by his grandfather’s visionary spirit. While most

46

It was cousin Fritz Huber, Smith notes, who first identified the office building at 3247 W. March Lane as a real estate opportunity.

The roughly 75,000 square-foot space in Brookside was mostly vacant when Greenlaw Partners purchased it less than a year ago. Now, Smith says, leases claim more than 80 percent of offices, with agreements being negotiated with even more potential tenants.

of the firm’s work has been centered in Southern California – among its

Stockton-based Haggerty Construction won the bid to renovate the

most notable undertakings, Greenlaw has led the revitalization of The

March Lane building on behalf of Greenlaw Partners. “The building

Triangle, a 200,000 square-foot entertainment center in Costa Mesa

itself is a really cool building that a lot of people don’t know is there,”

– the Lincoln High School graduate recently has added San Joaquin

owner Ryan Haggerty says. “It’s one of the more unique buildings in

County properties to his portfolio.

Stockton with really great architectural lines.”

The Generations Greenlaw Partners Irvine, California

Wilbur H. Smith, III Greenlaw Partners’ investment represents one more sign of San Joaquin County’s turnaround, Haggerty adds. “We’ve just seen nothing but great, promising growth. We work closely with developers

Parents The late Wilbur H. Smith, II Susan Grupe DePolo Grandparents Anne and Greenlaw Grupe, Sr. ~

Fritz Huber

– I feel like we’re out on the front end – and the buzz is very good.”

Smith says Greenlaw Partners also is working on a project in Manteca and is actively looking for new San Joaquin County opportunities.

“I’m a fifth-generation Californian,” he says. “I’ve always been interested in coming back and being active in the community where I’m from… The Valley has had some tough times. It’s nice to be able

Parents Sandy and Kevin Huber Grandparents Phyllis and Greenlaw (Fritz) Grupe, Jr. Great-grandparents Anne and Greenlaw Grupe, Sr.

to contribute to the area you grew up in.” 

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2 015 Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce Stocktonian of the Year

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Elbert and Marcia Holman

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Josh Harmon, Deitra Kenoly and Roger Coover

Jim Morris, Robin Appel, Kathy Miller and Rich Aschieris E

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Dennis Smalley, Carrie Sass and Dave Midura Photos bY TIM ULMER

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Where the Locals go for Quality & Value To advertise in The Magazine For San Joaquin

call

209-546-8200

stocktonmiraclemile.com

THE

A RT S

STOCKTONFROMTHEINSIDEOUT!

Poet Robert Fulton Laird

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COURTESY OF ROBERT FULTON LAIRD

hen poet Robert Laird returned to Stockton after having spent twenty years away, he noticed that things had

gotten much better than when he was growing up. He noticed that a lot more people are trying to do great things for Stockton – and he wants to be one of them. “I want to return the favor of what this town has instilled in me by making a contribution to this city, and let it be known – globally – that it all derived from the streets of Stockton,” he says. 

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THE

A RT S

Robert converted the lessons he’d learned while growing up in Stockton into unique poetry. “Read my words and tell me that they aren’t inspiring, beautiful, promising, and from a magnificent place! I want to put Stockton on the map in such a spectacular way, that it will dwarf the old Forbes study that rated Stockton as the most miserable city to live in.”

“I started writing poetry when I was 19, attending Delta College, as an escape from my dark views. With every bout of dismay I climbed out of, I wrote instructions in poetic form on how I overcame them by focusing on nature,” states Laird. That experience has enabled him to persevere and thrive after many later challenges. “I also took stunning photographs of the sun and moon every day and night for the inspiration I needed when people and events fell short.”

Three months ago, Robert began transforming his words into framed poetic art, and is a member of several of Stockton’s art organizations, including Art Expressions of San Joaquin, and The Werq Shop. He even published a book titled

Outside Insight (Wisdom Extracted from Nature), which includes those photos

SHE

of the sun and moon, and over eighty powerful poems. Recently Laird was part

This universe loves you so much

of a CBS Channel 13 news feature about the Salvador Dali lithographs that his

in every kind of way –

art group, Art Expressions of San Joaquin, had showcased at Lincoln Center in

that she will give you anything

Stockton.

on any given day.

“I want the youth today, and adults alike, to know that there is much more to life than merely existing or collecting things, and that we can all restore ourselves back to nature no matter what our situation,” says Laird.

Robert Laird will be exhibiting his unique artwork and reading his poetry

By all the things you “act just like” and practice in your mind – she thinks that’s what you like to do and grants it every time.

at events all around Stockton. To see his next event, visit his website at www.outsideinsight.buzz.

She doesn’t know the difference

Robert invites everyone to “come by and hear me recite from my book – and witness how something so universally astounding and illuminating, could possibly

between bad or good at all – She only knows her love for you and rushes to your call.

derive from a flourishing little city like Stockton!” 

So, show her what you really want to do and wish to be – and you will find she cares for you

For more information visit:

from what you let her see!

www.outsideinsight.buzz

(Copyright 2015 – Robert Laird)

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F A S HION

Spring Style

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By Doris Hobbs Photos by RICHARD FISHER

lthough the search for the

perfect spring dress may be enticing to some, it’s a rite for others. This season’s style highlights – traditional safari patterns, contrasting color combinations and feminine floral details – conjure a timeless feel of the season.

Inspired by the year’s fanciful designs, they are sure to wake your winter senses carrying you into the midst of spring fever.

Style editor Doris Hobbs showcases the ease of adding color, shape, pattern and texture to your spring wardrobe.

Spring ahead in all White Spring ahead and garnish your ensemble with a statement piece that gives a flirty yet polished appearance. The Little White Dress is a grand way to create your own statement, choose fashionable accessories, contrasting textures, and layering multiple pieces – the options are endless.

Polished in Blue and White If you want a lighter contrast from the traditional black and white combination, try * Sleeveless Perfect Shirt, Ann Taylor,

a subtle version using blue and white, which

anntaylor.com. Jeweled Accented

also makes a statement. Keep it polished,

Pencil Skirt, Ann Taylor, anntaylor.com.

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Leather Tab Stretch Belt, Calvin Klein,

displaying coordinating accents or play it up

Macys.com Vintage Gold Box clutch.

with vibrant colors.

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Safari Chic Transport yourself to a wild adventure this spring with a chic khaki trench dress, canvas tribal printed patterns and Air Force-inspired accessories.

Take a journey with this modern take on Safari Chic accessorizing with gold studded espadrilles, leather belts and vintage aviation sunglasses.

Trench Dress, Ann Taylor, anntaylor.com. Geo Pencil Skirt, LOFT, loft.com.

Vegan Leather Peplum Top, Tinley Road, Piperlime.com. Black Station Necklace, House of Harlow, Macys.com. Vintage Leather Belt & Air-Force issued aviation sunglasses.

Epitome of Charm The most romantic trend this spring is the presence of ruffles which adorn both daytime and evening wear. From bold hues of color to soft floral frills, ruffles are the epitome of feminine charm. Try mixing trends this year with the usage current and previously acquired accessories.

Long-Sleeve Ruffled Dress, American Living, macys.com. Hanging Chandelier Gold-Tone Earrings, Forever 21, forever21.com. Kaylan Printed Clutch, Banana Republic, bananarepublic.com Â

PEE K

A

B O U TI Q U E

PEEK A BOUTIQUE

D

PHOTOS BY ASHLEE BLACKARD

id you know Burton’s Shoes has been located in downtown

Lodi since 1948? They must be doing something right, and you will know exactly what that is the moment you walk in the door.

Serving women, men, and children, Burton’s has something for everyone, from stylish heels to comfy summer sandals to custom-fit orthotics. Burton’s selection is designed to keep your feet comfortable and healthy without sacrificing on style.

If you have never shopped at Burton’s, stop by next time you are looking for quality footwear for your family. You are sure to discover why Burton’s is named Best of Lodi and Best of San Joaquin year after year after year. 

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226 S. School Street • downtown Lodi • 209-334-6822 Open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

L o ca l

S p o t l i g h t

Shoes Shined with Soul A

Story and Photos by Charleen Earley

s we stood outside his gated and

quaint shoeshine shop with the sun beaming down around 2 p.m., pedestrians walked by and greeted Frank Henderson with familiarity.

“Hi Papa!” said one gal. “Don’t go nowhere brother, I’ll be right back,” yelled a man from across East Market Street, letting Henderson know he needed his shoes spiffied up.

Henderson, a one-man business owner, has been shining the shoes and boots of businessmen and women from his shop for the last six years from this spot, his third location in the last 20 years, and the 88-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down. 

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L o ca l

S p o t l i g h t

The first two weeks of every month are his busiest, while the rest of the month slows down to a crawl, but that’s okay – with gospel concerts playing on his TV, he puts his brushes down and sells purses, men’s stylish hats, socks, shoes, baseball caps and the freshest and largest fruits and vegetables.

“I’ve been shining shoes for 35 years. It’s what I know,” said Henderson, father of one son and a granddaughter who lives in Northern California.

A decade or two ago, most of his clients were attorneys.

Nowadays, he said everyone wears tennis shoes.

“You don’t know who people are or what they do any more,” said Henderson, whose shoeshine shop – equipped with two service chairs – is proudly filled with wall-to-wall historical sports and celebrity memorabilia – many of which are autographed to Henderson.

“I know all these people on my walls,” said Henderson, an Elk, Shriner, Mason, active member in his community, Visionary Home Builders and God’s Throne Baptist Church.

Born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in Oklahoma City, Henderson, who is also a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, honed his shoeshining craft in Oklahoma City. Later, he moved to Stockton, where his late mother, Mary E. Henderson, taught at Edison High School.

Polishes these days go for $5 if they stay on your feet, $6 if taken off. High-tops are $8 and boots are $7, and if you’d like shoestring whitening, tack on another buck. Word to the wise, though – if you don’t pick up your shoes after 30 days, expect to see them on another man or woman who bought them.

“If you need your shoes stretched, I do that, too,” said Henderson.

It took close to an Act of Congress, but Henderson said Frank’s Shoe Shine

it was worth it all when he got the curb outside his shop a

231 E. Market Street • Stockton • 209-518-9580

new paint job.

Shoeshining, men’s shoes, women’s shoes, shoe stretching, shoe dyeing and drop-off service

“It was all painted red before and no one could park in front to get their shoes shined,” he said. “Now it’s white. It took a lot of work to get it painted white.” 

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HE A LTH

&

W ELLNE S S

Essential Oils for Health & Well-being

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By Eunice Green, NHD

lthough aromatherapy and essential oils are the oldest form

of natural therapy, for many years the use of these oils was not very

is a good idea to dilute them with a carrier oil. Massage is a great way to use the oils topically.

They can also be added to baths – adding to bath salts or a dilution

prominent.

About 20 years ago, they really began coming into the light and

is suggested.

since then the use of oils in natural healing has intensified. More and

One way of using them topically is to put a couple of drops on the

more people are becoming aware of the great healing properties of oils,

bottom of the feet. Within about 20 minutes they will have accessed

and with each person’s success, they share with friends and family, and

every cell in the body.

Internal use is the process of consuming the oils. This should only

the word just keeps spreading.

Essential oils are so powerful as they work not only on the physical

be done with certified, pure, therapeutic grade oils. Some oils can be

body but also on the mental and emotional level. They are powerful

taken sublingually (placed under the tongue), put into capsules and

antioxidants, many are antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antitumor,

swallowed, added to a beverage or even cooked with.

Although there has been a history of use with positive results, today

antiparasitic and antiseptic.

They are known to destroy many harmful bacteria and viruses while

there are more and more scientists studying the oils, and more physicians

enhancing the immune system at the same time. Some oils are very

using them for their own personal health. Many hospitals and nursing

supportive in detoxifying the blood, which is one of the foundations of

homes are using oils not only to make the facilities smell better, they are

good health.

also finding that it assists the patients both mentally and emotionally.

There are many ways to use the oils. The first thing that most people

No matter what the health challenge, there is most often an essential

think of is the aromatic benefits, and smelling them is probably the

oil that can affect and ease the symptoms. Each of these oils contains

number one way to use them.

different properties which affect different areas of concern. It is a good

Inhaling the oils can be a powerful way to affect memory, hormones and emotions. It also is a quick way to affect the sinuses, bronchial tubes

idea to connect with an aromatherapist to get the information you need to use the oils in the most productive way. 

and lungs. There are many ways to use the oils aromatically – use of a diffuser, put on a fan or vent, and using in a hot water vapor. One of the easiest and quickest way to use the oils aromatically is to just put a drop in the palm of your hand, rub together with the other hand and then hold up to the nose.

Topical application is the process of placing the oils on the skin, hair,

Eunice Green NHD Green’s Nutrition 1906 Pacific Avenue • Stockton 209-464-5738 www.greensnutrition.com

mouth, teeth or nails. Because some oils are very potent, it sometimes

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sw e e t

c h a r i t y

Dr. Kimberly Cockerham

Rebuilding Lives Face First Story and photos by Charleen Earley

I

n San Joaquin Valley, the number of

uninsured and underinsured is staggering, which is one reason why Dr. Kimberly Cockerham is committed to providing medical care and reconstructive surgery for those who through donations and skin product sales.

can’t afford to pay.

In 2010, she started Let’s Face It Together Foundation,

a

nonprofit

“It’s about rebuilding lives so people

organization can hold their heads high and feel confident

burn unit. She knew then, facial reconstruction was her calling.

again,” said Dr. Cockerham, who was raised in

To pay for medical school, Dr. Cockerham

Dr. Cockerham donates her time and skills San Mateo, and has called Stockton her home

was awarded a healthcare scholarship from the

committed to rebuilding lives – face first.

as a surgeon to reconstruct facial disfigurement for the last four years.

U.S. Army. After earning her medical degree,

As a teenager, Dr. Cockerham volunteered

she pursued advanced training that lead to her

prosthetics and surgical supplies are paid for her time as a candy striper caring for victims of

appointment as Director of Oculofacial Plastics

due to trauma, burns or disease. Medicine,

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fire, explosions and motor vehicle accidents in a

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sw e e t

c h a r i t y

How to Help 3rd Annual Spring Renewal Event

Wine & Roses 2505 W. Turner Road • Lodi, CA 95242 Thursday, April 16 6 to 9 p.m.

Tickets $50 per person (includes drink and grand raffle ticket)

Tickets at www.lfitfoundation.org Enjoy winetasting, food samplings, fun shopping and silent auctions including a $25 grand raffle prize: A year of facial rejuvenation with Botox, etc. (value $1000).

Donations will help a community member face tragedy and disfigurement with confidence and help rebuild a life.

at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Dr. Cockerham, a decorated Army veteran,

reconstruct faces and help soldiers and their

denied a prosthetic that would restore the

families move on, despite tragic injuries.

region destroyed by cancer because his

says she “feels honored to have cared for the

“It is bewildering that so many patients

insurance said it was cosmetic,” says Dr.

wounded returning from Desert Storm and

with private health insurance are denied the

Cockerham. “It’s already difficult trying to fit in

other conflicts. They taught me so much about

same level of care,” she says.

during adolescence; imagine trying to succeed

the importance of facial reconstruction to rebuild esteem and employability.”

In the army, Dr. Cockerham was able to

Dr. Cockerham recently evaluated a

with a facial deformity of that magnitude.” 

14-year-old whose eye area had to be removed.

“He was the same age as my son and

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L o ca l

S p o t l i g h t

O’Connor Woods Taking the Lead in Senior Living

3400 Wagner Heights Road • Stockton • 209-956-3400 www.oconnorwoods.org

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By Sue Daugherty Photos by Lindsay Ortez PHOTOGRAPHY

n abundance of natural light and warm friendly smiles from

the reception desk grace the entrance of O’Connor Woods. Traditional

Summer nights are calling.

parquet floors, updated furnishings blending turquoise, teal and

This fresh, modern approach is just one of the ways O’Connor

soothing natural wood tones create a calm and welcoming appeal

Woods is celebrating 25 years as Stockton’s premier not-for-profit

for visitors. For residents, it’s the comfortable and familiar feeling of

senior living destination. Known for its lush grounds and walking paths

knowing you are home.

under a canopy of century-old oak trees, O’Connor Woods not only

Just beyond the lobby, new carpet and fresh paint accompany you to the newly decorated living room, offering cozy conversation spots

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and double French doors lead to a brand-new outdoor patio and firepit.

offers seniors a unique upscale independent lifestyle, but also valuable hands-on long-term health care should the need arise.

and couches in front of a glowing fire, or daily news on a big-screen

Continuing to take the lead in senior living, O’Connor Woods recently

TV. Private and stylish liquor cabinets provide easy setup for parties,

enhanced its offerings and is now San Joaquin County’s only licensed 

L o ca l

S p o t l i g h t

Recently the recipient of an unrestricted gift of $1.7 million from former residents Homer and Bobbie Anderson, O’Connor Woods’ next phase of enhancements will be Wi-Fi throughout the campus, and an expanded dining pavilion offering restaurant style options in outdoor, indoor and casual dining. Add this to the covered pool (always a luxurious 88 degrees) and state-of-the-art fitness center offering 30-plus classes a week, all geared toward healthy senior living, and you’ve got yourself some happy, carefree seniors! 

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). Simply put, a CCRC is a retirement community offering multiple levels of living and health care on one campus. In addition to independent living, O’Connor Woods offers assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care and rehabilitation services.

Along with the CCRC status, residents now have options in rental or entrance fee programs. The entrance fee programs allow seniors to enjoy all the benefits of O’Connor Woods along with significantly reduced monthly rates in independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing.

These plans provide long-term care with the comfort of knowing that your estate and its beneficiaries are well-served.

HE A LTH

&

W ELLNE S S

When was the last time you did a breast self-exam? Check your breasts for lumps and any odd changes once a month. Nearly one out of every eight women is likely to develop breast cancer in her lifetime.

If you’re over age 40 and you haven’t had your yearly mammogram, schedule one today. What better gift to give yourself this Mother’s Day than the gift of peace of mind when it comes to breast cancer.

Next, consider your heart health. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in women. Women with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and/or diabetes are at an increased risk. Reduce your risk by adopting heart-healthy habits like exercising 30 minutes a day, five times a week, and eating a nutritious diet. If you haven’t had your blood pressure or your cholesterol levels measured in a while, it may be time to schedule a visit with your doctor.

We complete our spring cleaning rendition of the kids’ tune, “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” by taking a look at our knees and feet. As women, we are often on our feet running after kids, closing business deals, cooking, running the world, et cetera, and sometimes in very uncomfortable, albeit extremely stylish, shoes. Don’t run the world in pain.

If you’ve been living with chronic knee pain, now is the time to

Spring Clean Your Life

I

talk to your doctor about it. If lifestyle changes don’t relieve your pain, minimally invasive knee surgery might be just what you need to get back to doing the things you love. If you have a painful boney protrusion on the side of your big toe, you may have a bunion. Whether it’s your knees or feet, talk to your doctor about your options, which may include giving your high heels a break for a while.

By Samira Jahangiri, MD

Take note of how you feel from top to bottom, and notice new spots and speckles, bumps and lumps. If something doesn’t seem quite right

n between all of the de-cluttering and deep cleaning you’ll do

around the house this spring, take time to spring clean your life. As a physician, I see spring as the perfect opportunity for women to take inventory of those things that are most important, like your health. Much

to you, talk to your doctor about it. You are your best advocate when it comes to your health. This spring, resist the temptation to sweep your health questions and concerns under the rug, and instead, talk to your doctor. 

like you might clean your house from top to bottom, spring-clean your

Dr. Samira Jahangiri is a family practice

life by examining your health the same way.

physician with Dignity Health Medical Group

Starting at the top, consider your head. Do you have frequent

Stockton, a network of health professionals

headaches? Headaches are a common health woe for many women. If

providing high-quality and compassionate

you’re getting severe headaches lasting four or more hours, or 15 days

care. To make an appointment with Dr.

or more a month, you may be one of the many women suffering from

Jahangiri or one of the other primary care physicians, call

chronic migraines. Talk to your doctor if you’re bothered by more than

209-475-5500 or visit DignityHealthMedicalGroup.org/Stockton.

just the occasional headache.

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April ~ Mark the date 4

11th Annual Easter Run and Fun

Join us for this fun-filled event suitable for the entire family. Participate in the 5K, 10K and/ or Kid’s Run on Saturday, April 4. The run will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. at 1101 W. Turner Road in Lodi. Each participant will receive a custom shirt, pancake breakfast and raffle entry. For more information, visit www.visitstockton.org/events or call 209-951-9229.

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Food Truck Frenzy

Experience local food trucks and food vendors on Friday, April 10. Food will be available between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. at the Stockton Arena. This is a great opportunity to try some of Stockton’s unique cuisine. For more information, visit www. visitstockton.org/events.

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14th Annual Champagne & English Tea

Saturday, April 11, Hospice of San Joaquin Butterfly Auxiliary proudly presents the 14th Annual Champagne & English Tea at 1:30 p.m. Held at the Church of the Presentation Community Center, enjoy beautifully set tables, delicious food, raffle prizes, champagne and English tea. For more information, call 209-6395356.

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Stockton Swap Meet & Car Show

Feast your eyes on some of the best hot rods, street rods, muscle car customs and classic cars and trucks on Sunday, April 12 from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds.

For more information, contact stocktonautoswapmeet@ hotmail.com or call 209-948-5307.

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Library & Literacy Foundation’s 24th Annual Trivia Bee

Come out all you groovy guys and gals and join in on the fun at this year’s Trivia Bee. The theme is “The ’60s – BEE There Or BEE Square.” Watch as teams go head to head in a fast-paced trivia challenge Friday, April 24 at 5:00 p.m. For more information, contact Anna_sass@sasspr.com or call 209-957-7277.

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28th Annual Stockton Earth Day Festival

Celebrate our planet Sunday, April 26 at Victory Park from 10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. The festival will feature over 100 vendors that will provide an array of informative, interactive booths, demos, displays and exhibits. This is a great event the whole family will enjoy. For more information, contact stocktonearthday@gmail. com or call 209-483-5199.

Delta Humane Society Golf Tournament

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The Delta Humane Society Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, April 27 at the Stockton Golf & Country Club. All proceeds benefit the local no-kill animal shelter. For more information or to sign up, contact patrice@deltahumanesociety.com or call (209) 466-0331.

15-19 at the Stockton Arena This captivating show is a story of solitary young man on an extraordinary adventure. Let your imagination take you to places you never thought possible through this mind-altering performance. Wednesday, April 15 through Sunday, April 19 at the Stockton Arena. For more information, contact marketing@smgstockton.com or call 209-373-1700.

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Bring the family and come celebrate the San Joaquin Asparagus Festival April 17 to 19 beginning Friday at 2:00 p.m. at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds. Enjoy live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, souvenir sales and most importantly, asparagus! For more information, contact info@ sanjoaquinasparagusfestival.net or call 209-466-5041.

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Cool Cats & Barking Dogs

You are one lucky dog to be invited to a fun-filled benefit for the Stockton Animal Shelter! The 2nd annual Cool Cats and Barking Dogs will be held Thursday evening, April 30. Be a cool cat and come to the party. For more information, contact info@ sasspr.com

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May ~ Mark the date The Rat Pack Live at Rosa’s at Tower Park

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Come to a tribute to Frank, Dean and Sammy with a special guest appearance from Marilyn Monroe on Friday, May 1 at 8:00 p.m. Enjoy classics like “The Good Life,” “Everybody Loves Somebody,” “The Candy Man” and many more. For tickets and more information, contact rosasattowerpark@aol.com or call 209-365-4693.

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‘STOCKMARKET’ IN DOWNTOWN STOCKTON

Stockton Stockmarket, a local makers market, will host its second event on Saturday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Stockton. This indoor/outdoor market will showcase a curated selection of the region’s makers, designers and vintage sellers.

The market will be held at 630 E. Weber Avenue (formerly the Plea for Peace Center).

Enjoy original art from local foster youth on Wednesday, May 13 at the Stockton Golf & Country Club at 5:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit residents at Mary Graham Children’s Shelter. Call Claudia Pruett at 209-470-3860 or Erin Guy Castillo at 209-952-1992.

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2

2nd Annual “In The Dog House” Raffle Bash

Have you seen all the custom doghouses displayed around town at local businesses? Enter the raffle to win one and enjoy live music and delicious food, too! 100% of the money raised for these doghouses goes to ACT Spay & Neuter Clinics, Pets N’ Pals, and the Animal Friends Connection. The raffle bash is Saturday, May 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1924 Pacific Avenue, Stockton.

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4th Annual “Best Ride Ever” Bicycle Ride

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Celebrate this year’s ZinFest with a selection of 200 handcrafted wines from over 40 local wineries in Lodi. For tickets and more information, call 209-365-0621.

Join Habitat for Humanity of San Joaquin County at the Hammer Down for Homes Poker Run on Saturday, May 16 starting at Whisky Barrel Tavern in Stockton. Donations will be used to build safe, affordable homes for low-income families in San Joaquin County. For more information, call 209-465-5054.

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Saturday, May 9 will be a ducky day that you won’t want to miss. Support the Child Abuse Prevention Council, buy a rubber duck for $5 and be entered into the Duck Race at McLeod Lake at Weber Point in downtown Stockton.

The fair features family activities, ducky derby and live entertainment, starting at 10:30. For more information, visit nochildabuse.org/ducky derby.

ZinFest Wine Festival

Hammer Down for Homes Poker Run

The San Joaquin Bike Coalition teams up with Lange Twins Winery on Saturday, May 9 for their annual “Best Ride Ever” bicycle ride.

The ride starts at 6:30 a.m. at Lange Twins Winery. Participate in a 25-km, 50-km, 100-km or 100-mile ride through the beautiful Lodi wine region and Sierra foothills. For more information, contact dtwallmark@gmail.com or call 209-3273985.

Ducky Derby Health & Safety Fair

7th Annual Kids Art Auction

Saturday, May 30, Micke Grove Zoo will be hosting a fun wine and culinary experience you won’t want to miss. Sample over 24 regional restaurants and wineries while listening to live entertainment. For tickets and more information, contact zooed@sjgov.org or call 209-331-2138.

June ~ Mark the date Pixie Woods’ 60th Birthday Bash

Pixie Woods is turning 60! Pixie Woods was established in 1954 with the help of local businesses, organizations and individuals and has since shared its attractions with visitors from all over. Celebrate this joyous occasion with special guests, live entertainment and birthday cake on Saturday, June 6 from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. For more information, call 209-937-8206. lifestyles

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