Lifestyles April 2014

The Magazine For San Joaquin

put a little

Spring in your

step

Generations of women

april/may 2014 â– sanjoaquinlifestyles.com

Spend your Father’s Day weekend at the

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For vendor booths contact Karen Bakhtegan 209-546-8351 or kbakhtegan@recordnet.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

Editor

The Magazine For San Joaquin

I

Carrie Sass

MANAGING Editor

Karen Bakhtegan

You can find me in the garden!

Graphic Designers Jason Ente Dan Loeffelbein

Contributing WRITERS

Molly Bolognini Katie Donahue Laurie Eager

Charleen Earley

t’s springtime and feels as though it’s been spring

There are also many wonderful spring events –

since last spring. A mild summer, fall and winter kept

favorites such as the Children’s Home Garden Fair,

me from packing away my sandals. I’m sure I did not

Festa Della Dona and the Stockton Symphony Pops &

sport a coat all year long. Although we desperately

Picnic Concert. Several new events are springing forth

need the rain – and the mountains need the snow –

(no pun intended). Friends of the Stockton Animal

Leah Myers

there are some things in life we just can’t control. And

Shelter are planning their inaugural benefit at Villa

Mary Raffetto

this is one of them.

Angelica on May 1. Hospice of San Joaquin is also

Jennifer Torres Siders

Spring welcomes Mother’s Day, Easter, pending

introducing a new event – Kentucky Derby West at the

Susan Michener Spracher

graduations, a fresh new trendy wardrobe, and

Sargent Equestrian Center at 12:30 on May 3, and the

gardening, to name a few. It’s a great time to bring out

Child Abuse Prevention Council has launched a Ducky

Contributing Photographers

the bicycles and ride to hidden little travel treasures

Derby rubber duck race to be held at McLeod Lake

where you can pedal around and picnic.

in downtown Stockton on May 31! Find out more in

This issue we showcase a wonderful collection

Mark the Date! (page 94)

of generations – families who celebrate at least four

Yosemite, the Mother Lode and destinations such

generations of moms and their daughters (page 29).

as Dutch Hollow Farms (page 36) are always enjoyable

You will also be able to plan out your weekend wine

getaways. We are truly blessed to live in an area that

strolls at local wineries. If you’re a live music buff,

does have beautiful weather – and has access to many

and also enjoy local wines, we’ve highlighted Jessie’s

destinations within an hour or two!

Grove Summer Concert Series, along with a list of

So yes, spring is here. You can find me in the

some of the many wineries where you can enjoy live

garden, out riding my cool new bicycle, and hopefully

music (page 16).

at one of the many charitable events in our community.

Larry French Dennis Hall Nicole Knotts, MD Heather Mompean

Ashlee Blackard Keith Burgad Charleen Early Helen Ripken Greg Severi

Carrie xoxo

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 2014. All rights reserved. Reproduction is prohibited without the permission of the publisher. For more information, go to sanjoaquinlifestyles.com.

On the cover: FASHION SHOES PHOTO BY Greg severi

$3.95 Value

SAVOR 10 MISAKI SUSHI & BAR

WINE PROFILE

WINE CRITIC

16 JESSIE’s GROVE

19 Wine BARREL TASTING 4 O’CLOCK MARTINI

27 martini in mother land FEATURE 29 GENERATIONS OF WOMEN 47 FASHION – SHOES 61 GETTING ORGANIZED

TRAVEL

36 DUTCH HOLLOW FARMS 70 EXOTIC TRAVEL PEEK A BOUTIQUE 52 RENEE’S BOUTIQUE

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

56 CR PORTER OUR CULTURE 64 CINCO DE mayo

c o n t e n t s

wag tales 67 Petey “Pete-Bear” Martinez

MOM ABOUT THE TOWN 78 CHILDREN’s MUSEUMS

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

NEW IN TOWN

SWEET CHARITY

MARK THE DATE

80 O’CONNOR WOODS 82 ST. JOSEPH’S – TAKING CARE OF SUPERWOMAN 84 BLOOM WELLNESS LOUNGE 88 CHILDREN’S DREAM WORKS 90 FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY 94 LOCAL activities and events

how do you roll?

by Mary Raffetto Photos by Charleen Earley and Mary Raffetto

M

isaki manager Andrew San says

his daily lunch customers are quite surprised when they discover Misaki’s lively atmosphere during evenings and weekends. The restaurant, popular by day for its enticing lunch specials, also attracts a vibrant nighttime crowd.

Whether dining before catching a movie next door at Stockton’s downtown theater, or fueling up for a night on the town, Misaki seems to be the first stop for an enormous number of loyal patrons. ➤

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This double life has been going on for 8 years, and San credits

To be clear, there is no Tony, and there is no pasta. This hands-down

the restaurant’s cleanliness, good food and high level of service for

favorite is actually a cucumber salad cut ingeniously to resemble

their success. The full bar doesn’t hurt, either. Generous food and drink

fettucine noodles, then mixed with assorted seafoods and topped with

specials are offered during happy hour Monday through Friday from 4

the chef’s spicy vinaigrette. “It’s incredibly popular,” says San. “People

p.m. to 6 p.m.

come back for it again and again.”

Misaki’s menu offers an enormous array of foods, from udon

The Mt. Fuji sushi roll is one of many unique specialties. Served

soups and lunch combo boxes to the traditional Japanese-American

hot, in slices mounded to resemble a volcano, the Fuji sits atop a

specialties, as well as the unexpected. Case in point: the “Tony pasta.”

sunburst of flavorful sauces and is dotted profusely with thinly ➤

lifestyles

11

sav o r

sliced jalapenos – delicious but decidedly not for the faint of heart, as you will break a sweat about three bites into this diaphoretic dome.

Creativity abounds, and Misaki chefs are happy to accommodate groups with customized “party boats” of sushi, sashimi and whatever other foods may delight the customer. For this reason Misaki is often chosen as a place to celebrate birthdays and special occasions. “We are more than a restaurant,” says San, “There is a real sense of family here.” ■ Misaki Sushi & Bar 222 N. El Dorado Street • Stockton 209-547-1288

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Pete Ottesen, Linda Wang, Ann Miller, Rev. Lee-Bob Johnaon and Paul Kimball Jim Darrah and Judy Chambers

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Sue DePolo, Bonner Mendez, Lilly Hazard and Cathy Anderson

Kathy Hart, Gary Putnam, Gillian Murphy, Graham and Sharon Tweedy

Chris Hunefeld, Julie Gillespie, Alex Ottesen and Jess Marks

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Shirley Storm, Lynn Lyon and Liz Haines

Photos bY HELEN RIPKEN lifestyles

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Licks & Sips at

Jessie’s Grove Winery

J

By Dennis Hall Photos COURTESY OF JESSIE'S GROVE WINERY

essie’s Grove Winery rocks and rolls out the hospitality for

its 2014 Groovin’ in the Grove Concert Series striking up early June through August at its concert arena located at 1973 West Turner Road west of Lodi.

Tune into your inner Woodstock, as it’s totally cool to come with your recreational vehicle or tent and camp for the night after each concert. Awaken to a complimentary pancake breakfast to boot!

The concert arena stage faces westward with the splendid late evening sun to the audience’s backs as they enjoy the musicians delivering licks as twilight descends. There’s plenty of grassy room for beach chairs, romantic mingling and dancing, tasting wine, puffing cigars, and taking it easy.

Wine Club members enjoy discounts on tickets and wine at the venue, too. ■

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There is nothing more relaxing than sitting back, listening to beautiful

Here’s the Groovin’ in the Grove Concert Series line-up:

music and sipping savory local wines. A quick facebook post to “friends” – asking for suggestions on wineries that provide live music resulted in quite a list of venues. There are more than 70 wineries in San Joaquin County, so this is just a short list… many offer regular and complete concert series,

June 7, 2014

Ms. Lizzie and Her Cadillac Kings

while others have guest musicians on special occasions. Either way – you have lots of options!

Ms. Lizzie and Her Cadillac Kings play a medley of styles from rock & roll to Motown, funk, and rockabilly to get the crowd swaying and dancing.

Abundance Vineyards abundancevineyards.com

Van Ruiten Family Winery vrwinery.com

June 28, 2014

Borra Vineyards borravineyards.com

viaggiowinery.com

The Department of Rock performs the hits from U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Van Halen, Def Leppard, and many, many more chart-topping bands.

Cellar Door

WINE AND ROSES

Heritage Oaks

Woodbridge Uncorked

Department of Rock

cellardoor.com

Heritageoakswinery.com

July 12, 2014 Whiskey Dawn

woodbridgeuncorked.com

Ironstonevineyards.com

Jeremy Wine Company

July 26, 2014

jeremywineco.com

Summer of Love

Klinker Brick Winery

Summer of Love performs rock music that is a tribute to the Woodstock generation of the 1960s.

klinkerbrickwinery.com

Macchia

August 9, 2014 Shane Dwight

winerose.com

Ironstone Vineyards

Whiskey Dawn is a hot young country act performing new and classic country music.

Shane Dwight is a talented guitar player performing a repertoire of funk, soul and laid-back ditties.

Viaggio

macchiawines.com

METTLER FAMILY VINEYARDS mettlerwine.com

MILE WINE COMPANY milewinecompany.com

For more information, call 209-368-0880

Ripken – Full Moon Concerts ripkenwine.com

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g r ap e v i n e

Thief in the Barrel Room

T

By Dennis Hall PHOTOS BY HELEN RIPKEN

o truly immerse yourselves in the Lodi wine culture

for enriching your adventurous lifestyle, accept vintners’ invitations to meet a wine thief at a barrel near the tasting room.

Rest assured that their summons are not for criminal activity, but rather the process of your host vintner using a tube-shaped tool called a “thief” to draw up a half glass of wine from the “bung hole” in the wine barrel while depressing a valve, keeping the wine captured. A release of the valve, and the wine flows into your awaiting glass. ➤

PHOTO BY ASHLEE BLACKARD

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g r ap e v i n e

“I was tasting from the barrel!” is a typical, joyous exclamation of a

along and mature with the end result something magical.

first-time barrel tasters. It’s so truly romantic to sip wine that comes

Insists Mike Scott, vintner for Sorelle Winery on State Route 88,

directly from the aging barrel one month before bottling. As the wine

“People wine tasting appreciate where the wine is coming from, as it’s a

stabilizes in flavor at this stage, you are afforded a special occasion to

bonding experience.” He thiefed 2012 Barbera from a neutral American

compare that subtlety with that wine’s most recent vintage poured from

oak barrel with the grapes sourced right there from the estate itself. He

the bottle in the tasting room. It’s just plain, wholesome fun.

invites tasting room guests back into the barrel room. He often hears

“Very different to be at the winery and taste from the barrel, as you

surprised cheers of “Oh, we can do that!” Guests love looking at the

now become part of the process,” asserts Rick Taylor, winemaker for

racked barrels as time capsules or a maternity ward waiting to deliver

Riaza Wines, with a tasting room on Elm Street in downtown Lodi. In his

the world fabulous wine after a year and a half to two years of aging. He

Riaza Wines barrel room, he straddled a French oak barrel aging his 2012

continues, “People don’t realize the progression – for example, a new

Tempranillo while extracting a half glass of the inky red wine. French

harvest to full aging. It’s aging; it’s mellowing.”

oak barrels versus American oak have tighter grain; hence they extract

Scores of wineries in the Lodi Appellation roll out the romanticism

subtle tannins for smoother flavor. I sipped it, and it has a wonderful

of barrels going back centuries as part of their wine club memberships.

structure in the mouth from beginning, middle, and end of the taste. He

Joining wine clubs is an assured way for you of tapping this fabulous

then poured from the bottle the preceding year’s 2011 Tempranillo with

realm of romantic lifestyle. Cheers! ■

its grapes sourced as well from the Hunter’s Oak Vineyard of Clements Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA) near Lodi. It was so fascinating to taste the refined complexity of the wine having lived for several months in the bottle to mellow. The significance is that wine is alive. Barrel tasting gives you a peek behind the curtain. You can follow each vintage

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Dennis Hall is a freelance writer and entrepreneur.

Dennis and his wife Dana founded SipCalifornia.com, a wine-industry business.

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

S P E C I A L

D I N I N G

Special Dining Adver tising section

A D V E R T I S I N G

S E C T I O N

S P E C I A L

D I N I N G

A D V E R T I S I N G

S E C T I O N

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Steve and Leslie Brown, Lisa Hallow and Patty Amarante

Armando and Maryellen Chavez

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LIFE S T Y LE

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C OL U MN

Martini In Mother Land

otherhood…

Makes you a shape-shifter, doesn’t it? From the time you begin

When we weren’t on the phone we were together. Many afternoons

to seriously contemplate it, to when the pink plus-sign shows up, the

we walked to the park or parked ourselves in the driveway, where from

morphing of your body during pregnancy, birthing, and then parenting.

folding chairs we supervised the kids playing/fighting while doling out

It’s a watercolor run that changes you constantly, sometimes pushing

an endless supply of sliced apples, goldfish crackers, string cheese and

you outside the lines. Sure, there are lots of books about parenting but

juice boxes. There might have also been “grape juice” for the Mommies.

what’s needed is something more specific, like a cookbook. Add 2 cups

Lots of days ended with us throwing all four girls in the bathtub

of loving patience, ¼ cup discipline, and a pound of hugs and kisses.

together, and a dinner of chicken strips, tater tots and grapes. We went

Bake for 18 years and voila… perfect kids every time. Absent that, a

to the pumpkin patch, had breakfast with Santa, and loaned each other

good running buddy helps. I’ve been fortunate to have a mother partner

money in lieu of a trip to the ATM to cover the unexpected visit from

in crime – my sister Sandee.

the Tooth Fairy.

We were lucky to be stay-at-home moms at the same time, each of

We had each other’s back, right down to the clothes on them,

us with two girlies, and we maintained nearly constant radio contact,

developing the uncanny ability to have total recall of each other’s

often talking 5-6 times a day. The subject matter ranged from behavior

wardrobe, and a knack for fashion consulting over the phone if one of

(the kids’ and ours), diet (theirs and ours), to educational activities

us got lucky with a date or girls’ night out.

(AKA: what the hell are we going to do to entertain them today?) and

Mothering isn’t just for children; every mother needs some, too. Such

marriage. When the topic was not appropriate for little ears, I could be

blessings are the women who walk the walk with us. Cheers to them

found in the garage, which I nicknamed my “office.” We talked each

and Happy Mother’s Day! ■

other off the ledge many times, avoiding thousands of dollars in therapy – theirs and ours.

Our parenting styles matched so exactly that when one of the kids said, in a fit of frustration, “I want to go live at Auntie’s,” the response

fouroclockmartini.com

was “Go ahead. It’s the same deal over there.” Then and now, we have

facebook/thefouroclockmartini

loved each other’s kids like our own. We laugh about the strict schedule

twitter@absolutelySusan

we tried to keep and our pledge of allegiance to the almighty lunch and nap times. Truly, we would stop on a dime to make that time of day happen because it was the only pause to be alone or get some bit of housework done.

lifestyles

By Susan Michener Spracher

27

FE A T U RE

GENERATIONS

of Women

FE A T U RE

J

esse L.Macon came to California at the age of 16 from Wichita Falls,

Texas with her family. As she stepped off the train, she first saw her future husband, whom she later married on September 14, 1946. From that union five children were born. Marilyn Macon-Gayles, age 64, is the second oldest of five children. She has been married to Leo P. Gayles Sr. for more than 43 years.

They have three children and ten grandchildren. Marilyn, who was born and raised in Stockton, is the CEO of a media company and local television and film producer. Adeja Gayles-Hill is the eldest of Leo and Marilyn’s three children. She is an Administrative Assisstant at San Joaquin Delta College, and the mother of Nyima Hill and Tumboura MK Hill, 19. Tonya R. Brown is the second oldest of the Gayles children. She has been married to Harry Brown Jr. for eight years and is the mother of five children – Harry III, William, Christian, Raia and Jeremiah. Tonya has been teaching for SUSD for fifteen years. We all attribute our fashion sense to the “Head Diva,” Jesse L. Macon. ■

Jesse Lee Macon 85, Marilyn Faye Macon-Gayles 64, Adeja Gayles-Hill 41, Nyima Hill 16, Tonya R. Brown 38, Raia R. Brown 7

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PHOTO BY ASHLEE BLACKARD

e are Pioneer Women!

In 1849 when 18 year old John Carsten Grupe arrived from Germany in the

San Joaquin Valley looking for gold, there were less than 11,000 settlers in all of California. Since then our family has lived and thrived in this Great Valley.

Farming the land, building communities, supporting education and our faith have been the building blocks of our lives. We believe strongly in reinvesting in our community through philanthropy; striving to serve as role models to the rest of our community and family.

Although the Grupe name is well known for its work in real estate, two little known facts are that great aunt Amy Greenlaw was the first woman Superintendent of Schools in Sacramento, and Phyllis’ paternal grandmother was a school teacher in Costa Rica.

Through the bi-annual Country Fair fundraiser, our family has contributed more than 4 million dollars to public education and community building projects including The Business Council, San Joaquin A+, Community Partnership for Families of San Joaquin, the Children’s Home and the Stockton Symphony, to name a few. ■ Four generations: Phyllis Lingo Grupe, 73, Sandy Grupe Huber, 50, Meredith Huber Baker, 24, Clara Belle Baker, 1½ years, and newborn sister Evelia Joy Baker, 3 weeks

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FE A T U RE

A

four-generation photo was taken when Maria Luz

Ramirez turned 80 years old. Five years later at 85, she is still the head of the Ramirez family. Maria, also known as Lucy to almost everyone who knows her, is a retired employee of SUSD. She had seven children, who she raised here in Stockton. In the 2nd generation, Yolanda is her eldest daughter. Her daughter Angelica is the 3rd generation. Marisa Jimenez is the 4th generation of this family. Mom was a hard dedicated worker and raised us to be hard dedicated workers as well. We are all native Stocktonians. She graduated from Stockton High School and Yolanda, Angelica and Marisa are all proud graduates of Edison Sr. High School. ■ Marisa Jimenez, 18, Angelica Ruiz, 39, Yolanda Diaz, 60, and Maria L. Ramirez, 85.

G

reat grandmother Charmaine was born in Kansas, and came

to the Stockton area during the early 1930s. She married her high school sweetheart, Don, in Morris Chapel and had three children.

Their daughter, Kori, attended local schools and married her high school sweetheart, Leroy Topping, and also married in Morris Chapel. They had three children. Ashly (Topping) Castelanelli, a teacher for Lodi Unified, met and married Brad Castelanelli, and they have two children. Allie Castelanelli, daughter of Brad and Ashly, is 4 years old and a preschooler in Lodi. All four females have the same middle name, Louise, which started with Charmaine’s aunt. ■

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n a small town in the middle of England, the adventurous dream of a 17-year-

old girl finally brought this whole family to this lovely valley.

Penny is that girl who moved to Boston and married. After her husband’s discharge from the Navy, they came to live in his hometown of Stockton.

Her sister joined her and married. Then, of course, grandchildren started to arrive which brought us all here – two daughters, five grandchildren and twelve great-grand children. ■

Iris, 77, Penny, 55, Jenni, 29, and Tori, 4

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FE A T U RE

I

am Jeannette M. Poblete, born in 1951 in Manila, Philippines.

I came to the U.S. in 1980 to seek a better life for my family. I met my husband, Jesus Poblete, in San Francisco, CA and got married in 1980.

My mother Adelina Masiglat, born in 1924, came to the U.S. in 1984 in time for the birth of my second child. As is the norm for Filipino families, we were blessed with parents to take care of our children while we worked, and forever we will be grateful to them.

We were poor but my parents made sure that we received the best education they could afford to better ourselves, and they succeeded.

My parents instilled in us the value and importance of education, and I did the same thing with my children.

With God first and foremost in our lives, we are enjoying a good life here in Stockton – our home. ■ Adelina Masiglat, 90, Jennette Poblette, 62, Anne Janine Carcido, 32, and Olivia Lily Carcido, 1 year

PHOTO BY ASHLEE BLACKARD

L

ook what the dustbowl blew in!

in 1953 dad’s sister lived next door to mom’s family. One day my aunt told my mom there was someone at her house that wanted to meet her. In March 1954 my parents, Clifford Teem and Ima Mathis were married. They moved to Stockton to seek

better employment and have lived here ever since.

Clifford and Ima had five children: Clifford, Jr., Deborah, Peter, Calvin and Clarence. Of all of our family, only Mom, Dad, Deborah, Angela and her family still live in Stockton. On March 4 they celebrated 60 years of marriage, and on May 8 mom will be 75. ■ Oleta Teem, 74, Deborah Stack, 56 , Angela Stratton, 37, and Destiny Stratton, 12

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FE A T U RE

O

ur family is five generations of native Californians ranging in age from 86 to

five months, with the last three Stockton natives, and all still living in San Joaquin County.

Matriarch Carmen Ramirez and daughter Carmen P. Garcia were born in Brawley (just outside Los Angeles), but moved north with the family for work after World War II. They established roots in Stockton which Carmen’s daughter, Diana, granddaughter Marissa and great-granddaughters Jocelyn and Evelyn Stewart continue calling home. Both Carmens are retired, Diana works for San Joaquin General Hospital and Marissa is a teacher’s aide. ■ Carmen Ramirez, 86, Carmen P. Garcia, 66, Diana Garcia-Aspitia, 46, Marissa Stewart, 24, Jocelyn Stewart, 4, and Evelyn Stewart, 5 months.

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PHOTO BY ASHLEE BLACKARD

rene emigrated from Canada in her twenties. She married and had three girls. Irene moved

from Saratoga to Stockton when her husband’s company merged with Diamond Walnut. Wendy married in 1971 and moved with her daughter, Corene to Germany to join her military husband.

He died a short time later, and they relocated to Stockton in retiring from San Joaquin County DA’s office. Corene has two children – Ayanna and Hunter. Corene works at the Human Services Agency. Ayanna is working part-time and attends Delta College. We all get together with the rest of the family for holidays, family birthday, beach clamming trips, making raviolis and for Ukrainian food. Irene’s grandfather came from the Ukraine. The whole family also watches 11-year-old Hunter race motorcycles. Irene almost never misses a race. Her signature yell is “Let ’er rip!” ■ Irene Gladys Skorieko Moncrief, 89, Wendy Lee Moncrief Taylor, 63, Corene Taylor Bailey Brooks, 40, and Ayanna Bailey, 19

Y

vette Reed is a mother of six. She has one daughter, Darlene Bonner, who has one

daughter, Darlisha Wilbon, who also has one daughter, Jada Dunham. Yvette enjoys her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoys eating out, attending church, and traveling. Darlene has been a teacher at Merryhill School for 25-plus years; it’s a pleasure to watch her students grow and learn. She enjoys shopping and traveling.

Darlisha works for the Sacramento County. She enjoys shopping, photography, and watching her daughter, Jada, grow and learn. Jada is an energetic 3-year-old who loves to draw, dance, and sing. ■

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FE A T U RE

B

orn in England, Mary settled in Stockton with her husband, who was based at

the Navy's Rough and Ready Island. They had three children, all raised and still living in Stockton. Mary is an active senior and ballroom dancer. Her daughter Estelle attended local schools and married a boy from a Stockton family. Together they run the family business, Morgan's Fabrics (61 years in business). They have two daughters. Estelle likes genealogy and is an avid scrapbooker. Her daughter Michelle, born and raised in Stockton, also married a local boy. They have two kids. Daughter Chloe Melissa is named after her aunt. ■

Mary Lanier Gallagher, 87, Estelle Lanier Morgan, 55, Michelle Morgan Stiles, 31, and Chloe Stiles, 20 months.

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n 1933, Arlene Nylen was the second of five generations to be born in Stockton. At 80,

she has a legacy of three children, four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She spent thirty years volunteering for the American Cancer Society, educating people about breast and testicular self-examinations. Terry has two children and five grandchildren. Terry enjoyed many years working in Lincoln Unified and at a dental office. Haylee has two children and is an elementary school teacher. Haylee’s daughter Skylar is a fifth-generation Stocktonian. Between Arlene, Terry and Haylee, they have a combined 106 years of marriage. ■ Great-grandmother Arlene Nylen, 80, grandmother Terry Nylen Jackson, 58, mother Haylee Jackson Schaefer, 31, and daughter Skylar Schaefer, 5 months old

T

he Pratt and Vigil families found their way from Southern California to Stockton over 50 years

ago. Grandmothers Helen Vigil and Jo Pratt gave the girls a balanced life experience that made for a wonderful upbringing in Stockton. Jo Pratt has spent nearly her entire life both back- and onstage. Helen (Nana) loves to dance and sing, too, but the girls really enjoyed visiting the Vigil family walnut orchard for her home-baked goodies, homemade dolls and the best chili ever. Laughter around the dinner table is an ingredient both families have in common. We all try to live by Grandma Pratt’s life advice from the show Auntie Mame: “Life is a banquet, and a whole lot of people are starving to death! Live!” ■ Great-grandmothers Helen Vigil and Jo Pratt; grandmother Diane (Pratt) Vigil; mothers Rachel Sukurski, Sarah Jones, Ramona Dellinger (all Vigil girls); granddaughters Emily and Alison Jones, Rowan Sukurski, Audrey and Autumn Dellinger

PHOTO BY ASHLEE BLACKARD a p r i l /ma y 2 0 1 4

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Nidhi Reddy, Kenton Shimozaki, Olivia Hall, Meredith Huang and Lincoln High School

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TR A V EL

F A R

Tulips & Tradition A Valley farmer cultivates Dutch heritage

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By Jennifer Torres Siders

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t was just after Valentine’s Day when John Bos

arranged spring’s first bouquet of tulips – Apricot Impressions, with orange-pink petals and velvety, dark centers – in a vase at his flower operation on Oakdale Road in Modesto. Over the next weeks, thousands of vibrant tulip blooms would open at Dutch Hollow Farms – first 10 bunches a day, then 20, then 70, and even more.

The son of Dutch immigrants who moved to California in 1959, Bos grew up raising tulips for family and friends. Now, with bulbs imported from the Netherlands, he grows thousands of them each year, preserving family tradition with an artisan’s attention to detail.

Growing tulips is a delicate art, Bos says. Too

many warm, sunny days convince a plant that spring has arrived, and flowers may open too early. To help manage sunlight, he arranges empty bulb crates over his rows, creating enough daytime shade to keep flowers closed tight while their stems grow tall enough to create sturdy bouquets.

Growing tulips in a greenhouse might be easier.

But, Bos says, “This is hand-crafted. Without that time and attention, you just don’t get these big, beautiful flowers.”

Bos sells fresh-cut tulips at Dutch Hollow Farms, 5101 Oakdale Road, throughout the spring, and has plans to open a pick-your-own area. (To keep cut tulips fresh, he advises, place them in a cool room, out of direct sunlight). ■

For hours and more information, visit dutchhollowfarms.com

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SAN JOAQUIN

RIDES

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San Joaquin Mother & Daughter

My daughter Alexandra is one of my greatest joys. She came into my

My mother, Jennifer Wallace, taught me many important lessons.

life when I was just 19 years old, not much more than a baby myself. Her

Among them: to make good decisions, live life fully, and treat others with

birth changed everything for me, and I have loved every moment of being

kindness. But probably the most important thing that she ingrained in me is

her mom. Alex has so many wonderful and endearing qualities. She is

the realization that I am in charge of my own destiny. When I was younger,

intelligent, adventurous, determined, curious, very health conscious, and

I would often tell her my dreams for the future. To which she would always

just beautiful – both inside and out. Alex has always been an individual –

simply reply, “Do it. Why not?” What a simple response. I now see that

that is, she chooses her own path – based upon what she feels is best for

her perspective was right on. These days, it continues to become more

her, even if that path is non-conventional. It is one of the things I admire

and more obvious that nothing can stop me from realizing my greatest

most about her – the courage to make her own way in life, and her never-

ambitions. I am the only person who has the power to hold me back.

ending quest to be a better person, the best person she can be.

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Jennifer Wallace Alexandra Wallace

My mom had me when she was a teenager. Growing up, I always had

Alex graduated from Tokay High School in 2007 and then completed

the youngest mom in my class. It’s the reason why we’re so close today

her undergraduate degree in Language Studies at U.C. Santa Cruz. She

– because we grew up together. When I was eight years old, we moved

continued her education in New York, earning a master’s degree in

to Lodi, where she got an entry-level position at Premier Staffing. Fifteen

Journalism and Latin American Studies from Columbia University. During

years later, she bought the company. Today Premier Staffing is the largest

her time in New York, Alex was a contributing journalist for NPR. Alex is

female-owned employer in San Joaquin County. She heads an in-office

a world traveler, having visited many foreign countries, both for pleasure

staff of 11 and has over 500 employees on payroll. She continues to set

and to continue doing one of the things she loves most – learning.

an example for others and me. I see that people respect her, because while

She currently resides in Chile, where she is a translator for CNN Chile.

she works hard, and expects others to do the same, she is also fun and

Although I miss her every day, I take comfort in knowing that she is living

extremely generous. She has the incredible ability to envision what she

her life to the fullest, and enjoying every moment of it, and for that I am

wants, make it happen, and gain friends along the way. I can only hope to

so grateful!

be more like her someday in the future. a p r i l /ma y 2 0 1 4

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Gianni Bini Darbie multi-colored wedge Dillard’s

put a little

Spring in your

C

step

olor me Fabulous – Bright-colored wedges and heels will give any outfit spring fever.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side – Animal prints are back from dressy platforms to casual

gladiators and flip-flops.

Glam It Up – Embellished metallic styles come in sassy sandals for day, and sexy heels for the evening.

Put it in Neutral – Bone, camel and black go with everything, and are anything but boring.

Wedge with an Edge – Corks and jute wedges put the comfort in heels with all the style of spring. ■

Gianni Bini Milah multicolor platform Dillard’s

Photos by Greg Severi and Ashlee Blackard

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Pelle Moda Issa 3 leopard dress shoe Dennis Shea Shoes

Pelle Moda Fact low heel sandal Dennis Shea Shoes

Pelle Moda Favilla beaded metallic leather pump Dennis Shea Shoes

Jessica Simpson Elise Camel zip front heel Marshall’s

New G by Guess Indeed peep-toe bootie Marshall’s a p r i l /ma y 2 0 1 4

Michael Kors Lani Mandarin sandal Dillard’s

Donald J Pliner Mink slingback pump Dennis Shea Shoes

Pelle Moda Fabia metallic snake sandal Dennis Shea Shoes

Vince Camuto Fontanella Snake skin cage in metallic taupe Dillard’s lifestyles

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Donald J Pliner Debb cork wedge Dennis Shea Shoes

Vince Camuto Calf micro-suede gladiator Dillard’s

Sam Edelman Gracie Flip-Flop Marshall's

Vince Camuto Outback wedge Dillard’s

Gianni Bini Kensley black wedge Dillard’s 50

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Dolce Vita Adeline metallic sandal Marshall’s

Gianni Bini Lainey leopard gladiator Dillard’s

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Peek A Boutique

Making Style Fun and Affordable

R

STORY and Photos by Charleen Earley

enee Snell has the best of two worlds: helping women reinvent themselves, and

at the same time, satisfying her love of clothes – as she walks into her clothing boutique on Pine Street in downtown Lodi.

After being greeted outside by a teal green, Shabby-chic, oval chalkboard sign, specially repurposed by her husband Fetch, you will find Snell’s clothing boutique is warm and friendly inside. She opened the store only six months ago, and is already living the dream.

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“I’m such a people person,” said Snell. “I really enjoy meeting all the women who come into my shop daily. I love watching their excitement as they walk around for the first time.”

When Snell lost her job last July, she found herself asking what it is she’s really passionate about, and how she could work helping others and making a living at it.

With her background in outside sales, she knew she enjoyed helping businesses succeed.

“I thought, ‘who doesn’t need and want affordable fashion wear?’” said Snell, an ambassador for the Lodi Chamber of Commerce and supporter of the nonprofit Children’s Dream Works for underprivileged kids in San Joaquin County.

Once you peek at the price tags ($30 - $50), you realize her signature is affordability.

“Fun, affordable fashion is my thing!” said Snell, who was featured on Channel 31’s Good Day Sacramento. “Dressy-casual describes what we offer.”

Born and raised in Roseville, the Lodi resident went to the L.A. market and filled her boutique walls and racks with the latest styles and trends seen on her favorite Bravo TV shows with dresses, sweaters, scarves, jeans, light jackets and inspirational art and jewelry.

She carries sizes small to extra large and does her best to cater to the average woman’s figure, which she says is size 12.

“I carry palazzo pants. It’s what everyone in L.A. and Vegas are wearing right now as everyday wear,” said Snell, who believes if you haven’t worn an item in your closet for two years; it’s time to donate it.

One of Snell’s goals is to help women rediscover themselves through clothes and color.

“Clients come in with a blank slate and tell me to just pick out items for them,” she said.

After learning hints about their personalities, what they do for a living and what they’re passionate about, Snell does her magic and has them try on outfits they might not typically have chosen.

“I had a cowgirl in her 30s come in who confessed she only wore Wranglers and plain t-shirts. She was going to Vegas. Together we picked out several outfits. I saw her a couple days later and she was so excited. She said her husband loved everything and she felt like a girl, excited with her new look,” said Snell.

Advice Snell always offers: “There is NO age in fashion; wear what you love and love what you wear!” ■

Renee’s Boutique Tuesday through Friday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Closed Sunday and Monday 209-329-4500 Renee’s Boutique

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A Designer’s

Dream

col·lab·o·ra·tion kəˌlabəˈrāSHən/

noun noun: collaboration; plural noun: collaborations 1. the action of working with someone to produce or create something.

This word describes perfectly an innovative new venture, The Showroom, which opened in its current location on the Miracle Mile on October 1st. The Showroom houses two

businesses, which compliment each other to a tee.

T

Story and photos by Laurie Eager

ammy Kelley, owner of CR Porter Home Furnishings, and Brian Holtz

and Mark Tschirky, custom homebuilding contractors and owners of HT Home Design, saw the need for a complete design center where builders, designers, and remodelers could come for one-stop shopping. The trio previously worked together in the former CR Porter store in north Stockton. When the ideal corner location became available on Pacific Avenue, they saw it as the perfect place to realize their vision. Tammy describes The Showroom as an “inspiring hub.”

The light-filled space is beautifully appointed with furniture, rugs, lighting, art, and accessories arranged to showcase how they might appear in your home. An impressive selection of hard surfaces including tile, stone, and wood flooring is artfully displayed. Ordinary objects like cabinet hardware and faucets feel like

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S p o t l i g h t

jewelry and sculpture in this imaginative environment.

There is also a wonderful assortment of gifts throughout the store.

The goal of Tammy, Brian and Mark is to simplify the process for customers undertaking a home project.

Whether your mission is something as simple as replacing bathroom fixtures or choosing a new lamp, or as complex as building a new home, the knowledgeable staff at The Showroom can help you pull together the perfect elements to create a home that reflects your personal style. No need to run all over town – at The Showroom there is plenty of space to see how a new sofa might look on your hardwood floor, or how a new stone countertop or tile backsplash might refresh your entire kitchen.

The staff is available to meet with builders, designers, and customers either by appointment or drop-in. Wander in even without a project in mind. You are sure to love

2363 Pacific Avenue • Stockton

the creative energy of The Showroom and come away

209-956-9210

inspired! ■

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FE A T U RE

Conquer the Clutter

By Molly Bolognini Photos by Ashlee Blackard

W

hat started over a glass of

chardonnay and good conversation now has turned into a professional organizing business. Gettying Organized, recognized by the National Association of Professional Organizers, was established in 2012 by two close friends, Cathy Getty and Marji Dunn, who were introduced by their husbands over 20 years ago. They decided to turn their years of volunteering together for Children’s Home of Stockton, Brookside Elementary and ➤

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FE A T U RE

Lincoln High School into an organizational business that they felt fit a need to help people re-imagine their life simplified. They started organizing family and friends’ residential spaces, which then led to word-of-mouth recommendations. One room at a time, Gettying Organized helps their clients gain better control of their lives by conquering the clutter.

From garages and kitchen pantries to children’s playrooms and master closets, there’s no residential or business space too daunting for the women of Gettying Organized. They begin their appointments by asking their clients why it’s important for them to become organized.

The common answer to the question is that the unorganized space is causing them stress, and that they want to utilize their space more efficiently. The company’s organizing strategy, to keep up with the “File, Don’t Pile” mantra, is to have three areas designated as KEEP, DONATE, and TOSS. With their philanthropic backgrounds, the ladies behind Gettying Organized highlight the importance of making donations to organizations that have significance in their clients’ lives. Gettying Organized clients range from young families and retail spaces to remodeling or downsizing projects in residential spaces. Getty explains, “The education is just as important as the organizing; we give our clients tips on where to purchase additional organizing containers, along with how to label and organize their items. We will also purchase these items if they need us to.” They describe the process of going into people’s homes as “very private, and different for every client; they need to trust you in their space” in order for them to make progress. Gettying Organized helps their clients identify items that are useful or have importance, and then tailors an organizing system to meet their lifestyle.

Other highly requested projects include children’s closets, home and business offices, memorabilia, and storage facilities. When asked about the most rewarding part of their job, both ladies agreed that seeing clients become more relaxed and able to enjoy their homes and office spaces to the fullest is the best. These ladies have proven that taking something they were passionate about in their volunteering

To learn more about

life and turning it into a business can be something satisfying for

their services or to

everyone. Getty explains, “We feel lucky that people will let us into

purchase gift certificates, visit

their homes to help create a space they are happy with. We have

www.gettyingorganized.com or find them on Facebook and Pinterest.

enjoyed meeting these clients and getting to know them.” ■

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O U R

C U LT U RE

Cinco de Mayo in the Valley: A MexicanAmerican celebration with deep Stockton roots

I

By Jennifer Torres Siders PHOTO COURTESY OF THE RECORD

n 1979, Stockton’s Comite Patriotico Mexicano – an organization

representing Mexican-American residents – organized their first downtown Cinco de Mayo parade, an annual event that has continued, mostly uninterrupted, for more than three decades since.

But the tradition’s roots in the Valley extend even further into the past: researchers from University of California, Los Angeles, have noted that Stocktonians were celebrating Cinco de Mayo in 1864, just two years after the Mexican military victory the holiday commemorates. During that celebration in Stockton, “A cannon went off prematurely while being loaded for the salute, injuring two artillerymen,” according to historical documents compiled by scholars David Hayes-Bautista and Cynthia Chamberlin.

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And 150 years later, local Cinco de Mayo festivities endure as mainstays of San Joaquin County culture and community.

“The first Cinco de Mayo was celebrated in California – it’s an American tradition,” explains Ines Ruiz-Huston, Latino Community Outreach Director for University of the Pacific and a past chair of the local Coalition of Mexican-American Organizations. Since the late 1990s, the Coalition has organized the Cinco de Mayo parade, which draws thousands of families to downtown Stockton.

“It’s important for the community to know that this is our tradition,” Ruiz-Huston says. “It’s a Stockton tradition.”

Historically speaking, Cinco de Mayo recognizes the 1862 Battle of Puebla, in which outmatched Mexican forces managed to defeat a wellequipped French army. News of the battle spread quickly to MexicanAmerican communities in Northern California, who embraced the victory as a source of pride. Celebrations have evolved over the years with many honoring Mexican heritage through folk dance and mariachi performances, while others are decidedly more social, emphasizing food and drink. At its heart, though, Cinco de Mayo represents a uniquely Mexican-American tradition, one that celebrates the lives and identities of people whose roots straddle the border.

“It’s always been a blessing,” Ruiz-Huston says, “to see so much of the community come out to celebrate our history and culture.” ■

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in San Joaquin County Cinco de Mayo Family Festival: Hosted by El Concilio, the festival features food, art, ballet folklorico, mariachi and community resources.

Admission is $5 for adults and children 14 and older.

Kids 13 and younger are free. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Weber Point Event Center in Stockton.

For information, visit elconcilio.org

Wag Petey “Pete-Bear” Martinez Tales I am a: American Pit Bull Terrier

Guilty pleasure: Stealing my brother’s dinner, anytime he walks away for a moment.

Age: 4 years old Favorite place to hang out: I love to sunbathe on top of Mommy and Daddy’s spa cover in the backyard (even though I know I’m not supposed to be up there)!

Most recent accomplishment: I ate an entire tennis ball, leaving just a piece of the outer skin!

Amazing dog tricks: I can sit up pretty, balancing on my hind legs only, no matter how long it is, waiting for a treat! I can also speak, shake, come, stay, drop-it, leave-it and attack the vaccuum cleaner, every time it’s on!

Favorite place to walk: I love to run amuck in the orchards behind my house with my brother Scruff

Naughtiest deed: Stealing my brother’s dinner, anytime he walks away for a moment.

Where I go to get beautiful: I’d rather roll around in the dirt and mud, if Mommy can’t catch me in time. I do not like to be beautiful, I’m a boy dog! :) Other interesting info about me: I once chased and caught a coyote after about a half mile, out behind my house, and it promptly bit me on the bottom. I thought we were just playin’!

Adopted parents: Rachael Martinez and Robert Peck, and brother Scruffy Orenthal James McGee.

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E

xotic Travel T

STORY AND PHOTOS BY LARRY FRENCH

ravel is great, especially when you can visit places that

you have some familiarity with. You may know something about a location’s history or something about its famous sites. But what happens when you travel outside your comfort zone to destinations where you know very little or absolutely nothing about? The first time I did this I didn’t know what to expect, and I think that is why I enjoyed it so much. When you travel to places like Luderitz, Namibia; Cotonou, Benin; or Christmas Island (Kiribati), you will find experiences that will open your eyes, and you will see what a very small part of the world you live in. Exotic travel destinations can enlighten you, they can have a profound effect on how you view the world, and they might even change your life, because you may look at religion, politics and history in a whole new way. ➤

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When I traveled up the west coast of Africa and was planning to visit nine different countries, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But as it turned out, it was one of the greatest travel experiences I have ever had. I had never heard of Luderitz, Namibia before my visit there. What

people from their homeland to come to Namibia. Their plan was to build

I found there was so unique that I will never forget it. Outside the town

a town out in the desert that would be so great and have all of the

of Luderitz in the Namibian desert is a ghost town called Kolmanskop.

modern conveniences that teachers, butchers, electricians, engineers,

This was a city developed by the Germans back in the early 1900s. It

etc. would move there. They built their own power plant, water system

was built with one thing in mind, and that was finding diamonds. At

and even a trolley system that could take the women and children from

one time there were so many diamonds there they could be found just

their homes to a shopping area and back. They built entertainment

lying on the surface of the sand; no mining or digging was necessary.

centers, schools and provided many recreational activities. For decades

The Germans would have the miners crawl around the desert on their

the town was prosperous but after World War I the mines were closed

bellies so they could just pick up the diamonds. They would place a

because they had harvested all of the diamonds, and it came to an end.

handkerchief over the miners’ mouths so they couldn’t swallow any of

As the end came, the town was completely abandoned in the 1950s,

the diamonds to keep for their own use, because the native miners

and today it is being reclaimed by the desert. Over the years the wind

soon learned that these stones had value. As time moved on, mine

has piled sand up against, and in many cases, inside the buildings. It is

owners had to start processing the first few feet of soil to harvest more

an eerie sight to see this whole town being overtaken by natural forces.

diamonds.

Many buildings are covered with sand, choking all plant life, and will

In order to become a full mining company, the Germans had to attract

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Another unique city is Cotonou, Benin. I had no expectations of

Christmas Island, Kiribati. I was told you will come away with one of two

what I was going to see just outside of Cotonou when I took a small

thoughts. You will either say, “Why did we come here?” or “This was

boat ride to see a city called the Ganvie Stilt City. What I found was

the highlight of my trip.” For me it was a highlight. We were greeted by

amazing: 25,000 people living in a village on stilts over the water.

local singing and dancing groups. The singing group was mesmerizing

About 80% of all of the homes in the village were built on stilts on Lake

and their songs were something that I will never forget. I couldn’t get

Nokoue. Imagine 25,000 people living over the water. Women with

enough of their singing, and fortunately I videoed some of their songs

children were living on the water, and had no safety nets to protect

to play back to relive those great moments. The singers just sat on the

them. Apparently the village was started by the chief of the local people

ground in a circle, and you could see their smiling faces as they sang,

in the 1700s to protect them from other neighboring tribes that were

and they enjoyed singing for us as much as we enjoyed listening to them.

active in slave trading. Over time it just became a way of life. You can

They don’t get many visitors to their remote island, and an example of

hire small boats (water taxis) that will take you out to the village where

their scarcity of visitors is the fact that their post office was a card table

you can make stops and explore the area. You can see many of the

with two chairs set up under a blue tarp held up by four large sticks.

village boats lined up at a watering station. The boats are loaded with

The postcards we sent took over two months to reach their destinations

large empty containers, and they patiently wait their turn to fill them

in America. While on Christmas Island I hired a local man with an old

with fresh water to take back to their homes. They have no running

rickety pickup truck to take a group of us around the island. We rode on

water, nor can they drink the lake water. These kind of experiences let

bench seats in the back of his truck, but had the time of our lives. We

you know just how lucky you are.

stopped at beaches that were covered with large and small, common

I also remember when traveling the Pacific Ocean I arrived at

and uncommon, sea shells. The beaches were literally covered ➤

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with sea shells – a beachcomber’s dream. We also visited small villages and got a good look at how these native people live. All this happened because we took a chance and traveled to unfamiliar places, and we were heavily rewarded for our efforts. We created memories we will never forget.

I know the beach on Maui is enticing. You can grab a beach chair and an umbrella and pull out a good book and recharge your batteries.

But I am telling you that if you get off the beaten path and see other parts of the world, it will recharge your life. Exotic travel can awaken a part of you that you didn’t know existed, and can have a profound effect on your life by introducing you to new life experiences. So don’t be afraid to travel to new and exotic places, because the rewards will be worth your effort. So say goodbye to the usual and hello to the unusual, and maybe I will see you in Timbuktu. ■

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For more information visit www.luderitznamibia.com www.goafrica.about.com/od/adventuretravel/p/ganvie

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L I F E S T Y L E

C O L U M N

Mom About The Town IT’S RAINING; IT’S POURING

– TAKE THE KIDS TO THE MUSEUM

L

BY HEATHER MOMPEAN

ast weekend the husband was super-focused on taking

a few necessary online courses to keep his Marriage Family Therapy License in good standing. While he battled his CEUs, I was battling the KIDs. Living in a small house makes it difficult to share two completely different activities, one which is LOUD (KIDs) and the other which is quiet (studying for continued education units). So, I did the right thing and packed up the kiddos (and their gazillion accoutrements), loaded them in the car, and headed… somewhere.

I usually would head out to a park for some running, swinging and climbing, but with what felt like 100-mph winds I thought the kids would have turned into kites. I had to improvise and think of an inside activity that wouldn’t be too costly, and would be age appropriate. While I tried to convince myself that my getting a mani/pedi would be fun for them, I realized that maybe that would be pushing it, and instead I took them to the fun and educational World of Wonders Science Museum in Lodi.

Fun is an understatement; we had a blast! If you haven’t been to WOW, you totally should put it on your to-do list! There

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A few other local places I take the kids that generate squeals of gratitude:

are so many things to touch, twist, roll, clip, clap, hold, and mold that you can easily lose yourself for hours, and we did!

The only bummer part is sometimes you have to wait your turn, and these kids – they have no concept of a fair-turn time. I had to wait in the

• Children’s Museum – Stockton

• Pixie Woods – Stockton – opens May 2

• The Mud Mill – Lodi

• KangaZoom at the West Valley Mall – Tracy

• Go Bananas – Lathrop

• Micke Grove Zoo – Lodi

rings, play an industrialized pinball machine, study the principles of

• Oak Grove Park – Stockton

cause and effect by watching billiard balls clang together, and complete

…and any of the several parks throughout San Joaquin County.

a 20-minute shop (and release) spree in the Museum Store.

Check out my blog to read more ways I keep the kids from staring at

bubble tray line for 30 minutes because some 3-year-old boy WOULD NOT quit flapping his hands and playing in the bubble juice. That threeyear-old was my son. It’s a good thing I love him, or I might have called for the manager!

My daughter, age 8, had an amazing time, too. She ran from rocket to tornado and back again about twenty times. I saw her make smoke

It was a great time for everyone, and the best part was hearing them

the television.

say repeatedly, “Thank you, Mom!” However, the hardest part will be hearing them ask to go back every weekend for the rest of the year!

I think it will be Dad’s turn next time. He can explore electricity and magnetism and teach the kids proper turn-taking! I will stay home with a fresh cup of coffee and a fabulous book – in a very quiet home. ■

Clickity on over to the bloggity: www.momaboutthetown.com Join in on Facebook: www.facebook.com/momaboutthetown

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W ELLNE S S

Laurel Pointe Memory Care at O’Connor Woods

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aurel Pointe is dedicated to honoring

the day. The dining program will be centered

Monday through Friday, families may opt for

residents – who they were in the past, and

around flexibility, with on-demand dining

their loved one to participate a full day or

who they are now. Opening in late April 2014,

allowing each resident to eat nutritious, home-

half day. Reasonable fees include a delicious

Laurel Pointe is the newest addition to the

cooked meals any time of the day. Meals will

lunch and snacks, medication management,

O’Connor Woods campus, completing the

be prepared by the O’Connor Woods award-

personal care assistance and of course, many

continuum of care of this renowned retirement

winning dining team.

fun activities. “A Day Away” is designed

community in north Stockton.

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At Laurel Pointe, residents will live in one of

to stimulate mental activity and provide

Their mission at Laurel Pointe is to enrich

two neighborhoods, enabling staff to provide

opportunities for physical activity, including

every aspect of resident lives in a dignified and

more individualized care, supervision and

access to a beautiful courtyard and gardens.

compassionate manner by supporting them

activities. Each neighborhood will have its own

O’Connor Woods is a not-for-profit

through the challenges of coping with memory

secured courtyard, and residents will be able

continuing care retirement community founded

disorders.

to access it any time of the day to get fresh

by the Dominican Sisters and St. Joseph’s

Several features set Laurel Pointe apart

air, take a walk or enjoy the gardens. This new

Hospital 24 years ago. Located on the former

from other memory care programs. Resident

building will also feature the latest in access-

Holt ranch, the oak-studded campus includes

care associates are trained as universal

control technology, which will enable their

251 independent living apartments and

workers and can therefore seamlessly meet the

staff to monitor the movement and activities of

cottages, 85 assisted living accommodations at

needs of residents, whether it is assisting with

residents, their guests, and staff.

Oak Creek and Garden Oaks (including eight

a meal in the dining room, reminiscing about

Along with this new memory care

new 2-bedroom apartments), and their 100-

days gone by, or providing support with daily

program, O’Connor Woods is also opening

bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility,

care needs. In addition, a licensed vocational

a new social engagement program – “A Day

Meadowood. ■

nurse will be on hand for medication

Away.” Licensed as an adult day care, the

management and supervision, as well as to

program is designed for families who need

For more information about the services,

monitor the overall health and well-being

a safe and engaging environment for their

amenities and variety of lifestyle

of each resident. Tailored activity programs

loved ones while they are at work, while they

options at O’Connor Woods, call

will engage residents and provide necessary

run errands or when caregivers are in need

209-956-3402

stimulation and entertainment any hour of

of personal time. Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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an m o W Super Taking Care of

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by Nicole Knotts, MD Family Practice

eing a mom is the most rewarding profession you can have.

Taking time to prep meals on Sunday before your week starts can also

But unlike your regular 9-5, motherhood is a round-the-clock job, and

be incredibly helpful, especially when you know you’ve got a long week

no matter how old your kids are, your job is never really over. Mother’s

at work. Not having to worry about what to cook during the week brings

Day is a reminder to all moms that we need to make sure we take care

your stress down, and allows you to plan ahead for nutritious meals. Do

of (and pamper) ourselves.

anything you can to make your life easier – it’s all about convenience.

As a family practice physician, I see women on a daily basis who

Some of my go-to ingredients are:

put their own health needs behind those of their loved ones. And as a single mother of a beautiful two-year-old girl, I know how hard it is to

Chicken – an incredibly diverse and healthy option that can be prepped in advance.

balance family, work, and time for yourself. While family and work are

Salad – a healthy and easy to incorporate different, fun ingredients.

both always a priority for mothers, taking time to care for ourselves

Rice – try brown rice instead of white for a healthier option. This side

usually comes last. But to be able to take care of our loved ones, we

dish can go with just about anything and be prepped in advance.

need to embrace our own health and well-being.

Steamed fresh veggies – a labor-free and healthy way to prep your

First, being a mother can be stressful at times. It’s important to find

vegetables. Broccoli is my daughter’s personal favorite.

activities that help you unwind and relax. Don’t feel guilty for doing little

Lastly, as parents we are always good about making sure our children

things to pamper yourself like getting your nails or hair done, because

get their annual health checks and are up to date with vaccinations, but

let’s be honest, you’re fabulous and you deserve it. Being able to stay

often neglect our own health. It is so important to see your primary care

calm, patient and positive has a huge influence on your ability to be

physician for your annual check-up and any necessary health screenings.

there for your kids.

This helps ensure that you stay healthy and are able to enjoy time with

Staying active is another important aspect of life that’s easy to lose

your kids as they grow up.

sight of as a parent. However, exercise is not only good for our health,

Being a mom is a 24/7 job – but part of that job is taking care and

but it sets a good example for our children. For those who can afford

treating yourself. Doing what you need to be happy and healthy will

a gym, some health clubs offer childcare or a child area – which can

make a world of difference in how you’re able to care for your kids. Trust

be extremely helpful when you want to hit the weights or catch a spin

me; they’ll love you for it.

class. However, there are great ways to stay active and spend time with your kids at the same time. I love taking my daughter on bike rides. I can

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Superwomen out there. Remember to take care of you! ■

ride a few miles and take her to a neighborhood park. There’s also great jogging strollers if you’re more of a runner. If you can incorporate staying

Dr. Nicole Knotts is a family practice

active with family time, it’s an amazing way to bond while promoting

physician with Dignity Health Medical

healthy lifestyles for you and your kids.

Group Stockton. To make an appointment

Another significant aspect in caring for yourself is eating right.

Picking quick and easy ingredients at the grocery store can make a huge difference in your ability to make great-tasting and healthy meals.

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with Dr. Knotts, call 209-475-5500 or visit StocktonMedicalGroup.org.

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SUPPORTING

HEALTHY LIVING IN STOCKTON

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By leah myers PHOTOS by charleen earley

ariela DeLeon, owner of Bloom Wellness Lounge, is

helping to improve the health of Stockton’s residents. Originally from Panama City, Panama, DeLeon moved to Stockton as a young child and in her view, Stockton is a special place. “I have left and came back several times because of my love for the people here,” said DeLeon.

The decision to return was based on her firm belief that people should have access to local weight loss services, without having to drive to Sacramento or to the San Francisco Bay Area.

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DeLeon opened Bloom Wellness Lounge in November 2013 to offer unique weight loss services, where the logo posted on the door says: “come in, relax, leave well.” Customers can sign up for yoga and pilates classes, tabata boot camp and soul line dancing. Personalized medical weight management programs are also available.

For DeLeon, the main focus is to fully support her clients’ body contouring and weight loss goals. She particularly enjoys the chance to walk through the journey with each client to ensure that they feel heard, supported and assisted. “Losing weight is no small feat, and in order to be successful, I pride myself on making our clients feeling at ease and celebrated when they walk through our doors.”

As Kaiser Permanente’s former Health and Wellness Director for over 12 years, DeLeon educated patients on health and weight loss services, and also created health and wellness onsite programs for employer groups throughout Northern California. She also provided oversight for all of Kaiser Permanente’s Community Health services throughout the Central Valley and diversity services for staff, physicians and patients. DeLeon earned a B.A. degree in community affairs and an M.B.A in health administration.

Active in her community, DeLeon’s business also supports a number of local non-profit organizations. “In January, we were proud that 10% of our proceeds went to United Way and to college scholarships for the Coalition for Higher Learning. We also allow non-profits in the community to utilize our conference room for meetings.”

Owning and managing a business is a dream come true for many. When I asked DeLeon what advice she would give to people who aspire to open their own business, she offered this Steve Jobs quote: “stop making excuses about why you can’t and make a plan so you can.” ■

Bloom Wellness Lounge 4557 Quail Lakes Drive • Stockton • 209-476-1930 bloomwellnesslounge.com

Pauline Keener Age: 42 Occupation: Community Service Officer with the Stockton Police Department assigned to the Traffic Section as the Special Events Coordinator How long I’ve lived in San Joaquin County: 35 years The people who mean the most to me: My family means the most to me. My mom Christine Elston is my best friend and my biggest fan. My husband Scott Keener and two sons Tyler Keener (13) and Cody Keener (18) are my biggest supporters. I am pretty lucky to have a big, extended family as well as wonderful friends and co-workers. And of course I can’t forget about my K9 partner, Hailey.

Favorite SJ County place to take friends when they come to visit: I enjoy taking my friends out fishing in the Delta and to local sporting events such as Thunder Hockey and UOP Basketball. Living in Manteca, of course, they always like to take a walk through Bass Pro Shops and Big League Dreams.

A key event in my life and the impact it had on me: At a young age I had to deal with the death of a loved one. Since then, there have been a few other unexpected loss of friends and family. I think back to what each person had taught me or exposed me to, and I use that to appreciate things in my life and not take them for granted.

My bucket list includes: I would love to see the northern lights and retire healthy so I can enjoy my family and be able to volunteer more time to my community.

Favorite sports team: My heart belongs to the San Francisco Giants… I love to catch a game in that stadium. There is no bad seat in the house, and the fans are great. I also enjoy going to the Stockton Thunder games. It is good, local fun that you can enjoy with your family for a night out.

What I’m reading now: Unlikely Warriors by Lonnie M. Long and Gary B. Blackburn. It was a book suggested by my friend and Vietnam vet Tom Cantrell.

Favorite vacation destination: I actually have a couple of favorites in this area. I really enjoy Las Vegas and the 24-hour fun it has to offer. The Las Vegas Strip is so interactive, and you can actually keep the whole family busy with fun. I other location is Half Moon Bay. I have been going there for some time now, and have explored every beach and tide pool there is. This is also a place I like to take Hailey on day trips and hikes. She loves seeing all her friends at the dog park, at Poplar Beach and Pillar Pointe Bluff that overlooks Mavericks.

Hobbies: I like to work with and train dogs, fish and hike. Shh, don’t tell the others but I really enjoy the time I get to spend working and hiking with Hailey.

Sports I enjoy: I like to watch my boys play basketball, baseball and run track. I enjoy softball, football and baseball.

Pets: I have a few of these… of course, Hailey, my other protector of the house Magnus, little Hercules and Roscoe. I even have a pet fish named Frank (thanks, Blair Buckley).

Favorite food/dessert: My mom’s homemade stew would be my favorite food, and anything chocolate for dessert.

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It Was What It Was… until

Rita Sperling Changed It

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tyling hair comes naturally for Rita Sperling who has been

“I knew this would make my mother happy, because she really

doing it for the last 46 years as owner of A Flair with Hair in Lodi. But

believed in getting a good education,” said Sperling, who was born in

something else that comes just as naturally to her is a love and desire to

Stockton, and raised in Lodi. “We give $10,000 to $15,000 each year

help underprivileged children.

to kids from Lodi High, Tokay, Jim Elliot, Galt High School, and the outer

BY Charleen Earley

Volunteering her time with Share Homes Family Services, Foster Care

communities, such as Valley Springs.”

Agency, and other organizations for the last 28 years, Sperling realized that beyond foster care kids, there were many other children in the San

You can’t put a price on the joy Sperling feels from helping children and high school seniors in need.

Joaquin community who needed help.

“When we are giving them their gifts and scholarships, and these

“I started my own organization and fundraisers to help the other

parents are crying and thanking us, it just breaks my heart,” said

children in the community,” said Sperling. “I always wanted to start my

Sperling. “On the other hand it’s so self-satisfying. I say it’s so selfish of

own organization, but I knew it would take a lot of time and dedication;

me, because of how good I feel. My mother always told me, ‘If it feels

so one day I said, ‘Hey, I’m gonna do this!’ There’s that saying, ‘It is what

good in your heart, then do it; if it doesn’t, then walk away!’”

it is until you change it.’ I decided to change it.”

“She would also tell me, ‘Rita, you’re gonna grow up to be a legend

Proving you can start your own dream of helping others at any age,

in your own mind!’” ■

Sperling, at age 56, muscled up the determination and started Children’s Dream Works eight years ago, providing close to 150 children with shoes, clothing and a wish list of three things they wanted for Christmas,

How you can help:

something their parents could not afford for them at the time.

Rita Sperling and her team of eight board members

The number of kids she helps each year grows significantly. Last year, Sperling, now 65, and her team, helped over 1,057 children in need. Her

host four fundraisers each year:

husband Mark, whom she calls her “Rock of Gibraltar,” cooks at each of

www.facebook.com/ChildrensDreamWorks Contact Rita Sperling at 209-334-5357

her four annual fundraisers.

In addition to the Children’s Dream Works, Sperling started a college

May 3, 2014 Champagne Brunch & Fashion Show, St. Joachim Catholic Church – Lockeford

scholarship fund.

“I raised two daughters by myself for 17 years, and it was a struggle at times. During that time, I struggled really hard financially to get my

June 7, 2014 Relay for Life – Lodi

oldest daughter through college to get her master’s degree. I noticed some of my daughter’s friends wanted to go to school, but their parents couldn’t afford it. I remembered some of my early struggles, and all of a

June 14, 2104 Golf Tournament – Lockeford Springs Golf Course

sudden, one day God said, ‘Rita, it’s your turn!’” said Sperling, a proud grandmother of six.

Named after Sperling’s late mother, the Betty J. Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund is awarded each year to low-income families who

August 16, 2014 Mardi Gras Summer Fundraiser – Rita Sperling’s Lockeford home

cannot afford to send their kids to college.

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FRIENDLY READING T

BY KATIE DONAHUE PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE RECORD

he Friends of the Stockton Public Library has been a staple in San

Joaquin County for over twenty years. From its humble beginnings in the Margaret Troke Library in the late 1980s, to a stop in Lincoln Center, to its current home in the Parkwoods Shopping Center, it has continued to attract book lovers of all ages.

The organization formed when several people were approached with the idea of starting a bookstore to benefit the library. Grace Bueno

The very popular Friends of the Library Used Book Sale at the annual Literacy and Book Fair Family Day at the Park

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was one of them. Her daughter, Jann Bueno, has been the bookstore manager since 1996.

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If you ask Jann how she came to work at the bookstore, she’ll tell you

LOCAL BOOKS LOCAL AUTHORS

she just kind of fell into it. “I had worked in the library shelving books. Then they cut back the hours,” she explains. “My mom was still involved in the book sale. I stopped in one day and thought to myself, ‘These ladies need a little organization,’” she says with a laugh. She started regularly stopping

Stockton in Vintage Postcards

by Alice van Ommeren arcadiapublishing.com

by to help, and a few years later she was asked to be the full-time manager.

A typical day for Jann involves opening the store, assisting customers, unloading books, and pricing books. Somewhere in between all that, she

Collected by Alice van Ommeren, local historian and social researcher, these postcards tell the story of the city’s metamorphosis from scrappy settlement to modern city. This book of striking images is sure to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike – Arcadia Publishing.

has to assign tasks and create a schedule for the more than sixty volunteers that donate their time to the Friends of the Library. Some people volunteer once or twice a week, and others volunteer a couple of times a month. For the last eleven years, Jann has had a part-time assistant, Sarah, who works with the children’s books.

Jann isn’t sure exactly how many books are donated every year, but the number is easily in the thousands. “Between the donations that we get and all the people who donate their time volunteering, the bookstore wouldn’t exist without them,” she says.

Remarkable Women of Stockton

by Mary Jo Gohlke www.historypress.net

Proceeds from the book sale go directly toward supporting the library.

The Friends of the Library has a nine-member board of directors who meet once a month. Every meeting has an agenda, and if the library has a request, a member of the library staff is sent to the meeting to talk about the need before it is formally approved. “We buy a lot of new books for the library.

One of the biggest things we do is support programs for the community,” Jann says. Many library programs for both children and adults are supported by revenue from the Friends of the Library.

The Friends of the Library participates in the annual Family Day at the Park event held in September at California State University, Stanislaus.

Mary Jo Gohlke is a retired librarian.

She provided reference services and adult programming for the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library System for eight years. She and her husband, Rich, reside in Stockton and have two children and two grandchildren. Author events include the San Joaquin Historical Society, April 28 at 6 p.m., and Southern Exposure Salon, May 3 at 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. www.historypress.net

Twenty tables full of books are offered for sale – hardbacks are 50 cents, and paperbacks are 25 cents. “At the end of the day, we don’t have any place to bring them back to, so we do a bag sale. Different groups pick up whatever is left over to send to other countries and different nonprofit organizations,” Jann says.

“I really enjoy the people that I work with, and I enjoy the customers that come in,” Jann says. ”I’ve met a lot of interesting people there. I just enjoy the warmth of the people I meet,” she says. ■

On The Wings of Butterflies www.hospicesj.org Support Hospice of San Joaquin.

A collection of recipes by The Butterfly Auxiliary 209-922-0380 www.hospicesj.org

1724 W. Hammer Lane • Stockton 209-476-9033

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remember this?

WEBB’S BAKERY Go to our Facebook page (Lifestyles magazine) and tell us what you remember about Webb’s Bakery

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April ~ Mark the date

26th Annual Stockton Earth Day Festival

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The 26th Annual Stockton Earth Day Festival takes place Sunday, April 6. This year’s theme is “Living Water Wise,” featuring live local entertainment, delicious, healthy, local food, yoga at 10 a.m., and a family fun bike ride (registration at 10:30 a.m.). The festival takes place at Victory Park.

For more information, contact stocktonearthday@gmail.com.

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Lodi Community Concert Series

Come watch The Gothard Sisters on Thursday, April 10 at 7 p.m. The sisters are award-winning Irish dancers and violinists.

Monday, May 5, Lodi Community Concert Series presents Jesse Lynch’s Jazz 101 at 7 p.m. Audiences will be led on a journey through the evolution and history of jazz through music and multimedia presentation. This series is held at Hutchins Street Square in Lodi. For more information, call 209-333-0360.

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An Evening for Education

“Songs of Love & Laughter”

Stockton Chorale joins the Delta Singers to present “Songs of Love & Laughter,” Friday, April 11. Guests will enjoy an intimate musical evening of deep emotion and delight at the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist in Lodi. For more information, contact info@stocktonchorale.org or call 209-951-6494.

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Saturday, April 12, Hospice of San Joaquin Butterfly Auxiliary proudly presents the 13th Annual Champagne and English Tea from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at The Church of Presentation, Stockton.

Enjoy beautifully-set tables, delicious food, champagne, and English tea. For more information, contact Sheree at shereecox@ aol.com.

Haggin in Bloom

The Haggin Museum will be in full bloom as the ladies of Junior Women’s Group present their inaugural celebration of spring, Haggin in Bloom, on Wednesday, April 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event features floral exhibits arranged by area florists that are paired with specific Haggin Museum artworks and an elegant luncheon.

For more information, call Merylene at 209-940-6311.

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Art for All Benefit Concert

The Lodi Arts Foundation is proud to present the “Art for All Benefit Concert” featuring Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Steve Seskin. The benefit concert will be Friday, April 25 at 7 p.m. in Kirst Hall at Hutchins Street Square. For tickets and more information, visit www.loditickets.com or call 209-333-5550.

13th Annual Champagne and English Tea

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Aspire Vincent Shalvey Academy will be hosting “An Evening for Education,” a tasting event featuring local wineries, breweries, olive oil companies, restaurants, caterers, and bakeries. The event will be held Friday, April 18 at 7 p.m. at Hutchins Street Square Community Center, Lodi. For more information, contact Rachelle at vsatasting@yahoo.com.

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Stockton Asparagus Festival

Come celebrate the Stockton Asparagus Festival, inspired by San Joaquin County’s most prestigious agricultural product. The Stockton Asparagus Festival is a threeday, multi-event, food, and entertainment festival. The festival takes place Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27 at the Downtown Stockton Waterfront. For more information, contact info@asparagusfest. com or call 209-644-3740.

May ~ Mark the date Latina Luncheon

Kentucky Derby West

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Join us for “Kentucky Derby West” – Run for the Roses LIVE from Churchill Downs, Saturday, May 3. Gates open at 12:30 p.m. There will be silent and live auctions, horse raffle, and carriage rides for your enjoyment! Dinner, southern sweets, and local wines will also be served! The event takes place at Sargent Equestrian Center, 15757 E. Sargent Road, Lodi. Proceeds from this event benefit Hospice of SJ County. To purchase tickets, visit www.hospicesj.org or call 209-922-0380.

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Valley Garden Fair

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Festa Della Donna

Join us at the beautiful Casa de Lago, 2884 Woodbridge Road, Acampo for Festa Della Donna benefiting Lodi House and Hope Harbor. Enjoy bellinis, Italian serenades, and shopping in an elegant outdoor event. This funfilled event takes place Wednesday, May 14. For more information, contact the Vaccarezza Murdaca Family Foundation.

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Celebrate the Arts on the Delta

The Auxiliary of the Children’s Home of Stockton invites you to join them for the 2014 Valley Garden Fair, Wednesday, May 7. Enjoy the spring debut of fashion while dining on a delicious lunch and shopping at local boutiques set in the garden of the beautiful estate of Roger and Laurie Schrum.

For more information, contact Gina at 209-464-6999 or gina.rishwain@yahoo.com.

Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired invites you to Celebrate the Arts on the Delta, Saturday, May 17, 2014. The beautiful University Plaza Waterfront Hotel, 110 West Fremont Street, Stockton will host the event. View performances by local performing artists and works of art created by local artists, available for purchase at the event. In addition, local wineries will offer tastings of their choice wines. Festivities will begin at 4:00 p.m. and conclude at 7:00 p.m. Guests will sample hors d’oeuvres and local wines while enjoying the talents of local artists in a scenic surrounding. Tickets cost $50.00. Contact Bonnie at 209-466-3836 to learn more about the event or purchase tickets. You also may purchase tickets online at www.communitycenterfortheblind.org.

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KIDS ART AUCTION

Original art, created by local foster youth will be featured at the 6th Annual Kids Art Auction benefiting the Mary Graham Children’s Foundation will be held at the Stockton Golf and Country Club on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 5:30 to 8:00pm. For sponsorship and ticket information call Erin Guy Castillo at 952-1992.

Elsie May Goodwin Gallery

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The Elsie May Goodwin Gallery is proud to have artwork from renowned international artist Claire Oak on display May 3 through 31 and June 3 through 28.

Receptions are being held May 3 and June 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. at 1902 Pacific Ave, Stockton.

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The 2014 Latina Luncheon will be held on May 16 at the Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium. Celebrating accomplished Hispanic women, this inspirational event is geared toward motivating the young women of our community. For further information, call 209-644-2619 or contact cvar@elconcilio.org.

ZinFest Wine Festival

Enjoy the region’s finest pairing of freshly prepared, local cuisine with the best of Lodi’s celebrated Old Vine Zinfandel. Join us for a weekend of wine, food, and fun at Lodi Lake, Friday, May 16 through Sunday, May 18. For more information, call 209-365-0621.

Child Abuse Prevention Council Ducky Derby

Saturday, May 31, the Child Abuse Prevention Council is holding their 1st Annual Ducky Derby. The race takes place at McCloud Lake, Weber Point. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. and the race starts at 11 a.m. Anyone can adopt a rubber duck for only $5.

Donate online or at one of the Certified Adoption Centers.

For more information, visit NoChildAbuse.org/DuckyDerby.

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