209 Magazine Issue 39

FURRY

Co-Worker

JUNE/JULY 2020 - ISSUE 39 - $4.95

HOUSE OF BEEF

SURVIVING & THRIVING AMIDST COVID-19

Photo Contest

Winners

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Our streets may be empty. But our hearts remain full.

Whether staying home or working the front lines, thank you for doing your part.

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FEATURES FOLKS HAVE BEEN SPENDING A LOT OF TIME AT HOME WITH THEIR PETS over the past several weeks and we noticed that more than one furry friend has popped up on a Zoom meeting or two. We asked those in the 209 area to share with us photos of their furry “co-workers.”

We asked our readers to vote on the “cutest” of these furry co-workers and we were not disappointed in the results! Please take a look the entries that received the most votes – along with two Editor’s Picks that could not go unrecognized!

All the photos that were shared are sure to bring a smile to your face. View the gallery at: bit.ly/ cutestfurrycoworker 209 Magazine Cutest Furry Co-Worker Photo Contest Winners

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Editor’s Picks

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JUNE/JULY 2020 – ISSUE 39

DEPARTMENTS 12

IN THE KNOW

12 PAWS founder talks ‘Tiger King,’ conservation 16 Second Harvest Food Bank 18 Lizard Lady Reptiles 20 Stanislaus Wildlife Care Center 22 Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary 24 160th anniversary of Copperopolis

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ARTS&CULTURE

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26 Changing Faces Theater Company 28 Nadine the Band 30 Author teaches bread making for beginners

FLAVORS 40 42 44

Hey Bartender First and Main Medlen’s House of Beef

00

THE GREAT OUTDOORS 48 50

Hook, Line & Sinker Sierra Splendor

FULL OF LIFE 52 54

Fitness and Beyond Heather’s Race

42 64

PLACE CALLED HOME 58

Get back to gardening

50

MARKETPLACE 62 64 66

30

Brush and Cork DJ Frank G Business expert: Online reviews

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Vol. 7 No. 39 ■ June/ July 2020 ■ $4.95

PUBLISHER Hank Vander Veen

EDITOR Kristina Hacker

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAHERS Jarod Ballardo Nat Bartell Jeff Benziger Beth Devine Teresa Hammond Marg Jackson Matt Johanson Angelina Martin Sabra Stafford Virginia Still Frankie Tovar Rho Yare

ART DIRECTOR Harold L. George

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sharon Hoffman

SALES & MARKETING Chris Castro Beth Flanagan Rich Matheson Corey Rogers Melody Wann Charles Webber

SPECIAL CONSULTANT Larry Dovichi

Resilient is a trait that best describes the people, businesses and organizations in the 209 area that are not only surviving, but thriving as they find new ways to gather, serve and do business during the slow reopening of the state’s economy.

209 Magazine is proud to be able to highlight a few of these shining examples of resiliency. It is great that we can once again travel the 209 area and discover new people, places and businesses to feature.

In this issue we asked the 209 community to share photos of their pets — which became at-home coworkers to many during the shelter in place orders. There’s no way you can view the Furry Co-Worker Photo Contest entries (available at bit.ly/cutestfurrycoworker) and not have a smile come to your face! Thank you to everyone who participated in this contest.

This issue also highlights a number of animal-related organizations such as the Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary, Performing Animal Welfare Society, Stanislaus Wildlife Care Center and Lizard Lady Reptiles. Be sure to check these out.

We hope this issue and the people, places and businesses that are featured bring a little sunshine into your day. We appreciate them and look forward to being the most relevant magazine in your home, a place called 209.

Hank Vander Veen Publisher hvanderveen@209magazine.com

To advertise in 209 Magazine, call Manteca • 209.249.3500 • Oakdale • 209.847.3021 Turlock • 209.634.9141 209 Magazine is published 6 times a year 121 S. Center St., 2nd Floor • Turlock, CA 95380 Comments: khacker@209magazine.com www.209magazine.com ©Copyright 2020. 209 Magazine All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher of 209 Magazine is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed in 209 Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of 209 Magazine management or owner. 209 Magazine assumes no responsibility and makes no recommendation for claims made by advertisers and shall not be liable for any damages incurred.

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Notes

with FRANKIE TOVAR

Soundcheck209: Nadine The Band A statewide quarantine couldn’t keep these sisters from rocking out, so crank your speakers to 11 and meet Heather and Julie Strong, two-thirds of the trio known as Nadine The Band. Learn about the formation of this Atwater-based rock group and then enjoy a live performance of “Close Call.”

STUDIO209 is a weekly magazine-style video series filmed in the heart of the Central Valley. Join us every Thursday and enjoy a wide range of coverage from community events to personal profiles and more. ftovar@morrismultimedia.com

Belly Dancing with Anneke Farida

STUDIO209.T V

Get your body moving with Anneke Farida, a professional belly dancer from Turlock who has experience performing and teaching the timehonored dance. In celebration of International Belly Dance Day, Anneke demonstrates the basics of the dance so you can perfect the moves yourself!

WE’VE GOT THE 209 COVERED

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FRANKIE’S FAVORITES

#1

Ripon’s Almond Blossom Festival & Girl Scout Mega Cookie Drop Jump in a proverbial time machine and take a trip to where it all began — the very first episode of Studio209!

Enjoy the stylings of OG correspondent Elizabeth Arakelian as she tours Ripon’s biggest annual event before getting a behind the scenes look at the distribution of Girl Scout cookies in the area.

Popping in the 209 with Tek Boi J Pop, lock and drop it with Tek Boi J, the smooth-moving Modesto dancer who brought funk style dance to our 209 screens way back in 2017. Now known as one of the best poppers in Northern California, Tek Boi J drops knowledge on the ins and outs of his technique and style, complete with demonstrations on the street.

CHP Media Boot Camp Chalked full of unintentional comedy, this classic episode features me, Frankie Tovar, being put through the ringer at CHP headquarters in Sacramento. Hours and hours of physical fitness, mental aptitude, driving, shooting and crisis management tests are condensed into five minutes of “fun” for your entertainment.

Outlaw Drift Series

#217

This episode features Angelina Martin at her best, slightly afraid but excited nonetheless!

Based in Stockton, the Outlaw Drift Series is exactly what it sounds like — a high octane display of controlled automotive chaos. Live vicariously through Angelina as she jumps into the passenger seat for an unforgettable firstperson experience.

We have officially changed our name to Same excellent service. Same location.

460 South Stockton Avenue I Ripon, CA • (209) 599-4543 • thompsonbldg.com

Thank you for voting us Favorite in Landscaping 209MAGAZINE.COM

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intheknow

By ANGELINA MARTIN

I

What is PAWS’ mission?

Our mission is to improve the lives of captive animals and prevent as many animals from living in cages as we can. I think we’ve all learned in the last few weeks that it can be a really ugly life for an animal that has to live in captivity — especially an exotic animal.

PHOTOS BY FRANKIE TOVAR/ 209 Magazine

n the 2018 April/May issue of 209 Magazine, we introduced readers to the Performing Animal Welfare Society in San Andreas — a sanctuary where abandoned, abused and retired exotic animals who have lived as victims of captivity can live out the rest of their lives in peace and dignity, right here in the 209. The nonprofit was founded in 1984 by former Hollywood animal trainer Pat Derby and her partner Ed Stewart, and has since rescued elephants, bears and big cats around the world from their cages.

The 209 Podcast recently reached out to Stewart to talk about the popularity of Netflix’s docuseries “Tiger King,” which shows the exact conditions PAWS aims to free exotic animals from. ■

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Everyone is talking about the Netflix docuseries “Tiger King.”

Have you seen it?

Yeah, it was kind of in my job description to watch that.

They actually came and interviewed me for that show... after I saw what it looked like in the first two episodes; I ran it through fast just to make sure I wasn’t in it. I was never so happy not to be. It’s gotten mixed reviews from the animal welfare movement. A lot of people think it would’ve been better to show more of the plight of the animals, but I think the people in the show, to me, it wasn’t surprising.

People like that are the ones who wind up running roadside zoos and getting animals for carnivals and circuses and pets, so I thought it was good to show what kind of people wind up in that business and what an ugly business it is.

I’ve always said that you’ll never find anyone with a kid at Stanford that has a tiger in their backyard. It’s always someone who’s on parole, who has a drug problem, who has domestic violence problems and goes to jail.

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Did you know of the show’s characters, like Joe Exotic, Doc Antle and Carole Baskin prior to seeing the show?

How does PAWS compare to the facilities we see in “Tiger King?”

Well I’ve never been to Antle’s, I’ve never been to Joe Exotic’s and I’ve never been to Carole Baskin’s.

The difference between those three is that Doc Antle — Kevin Antle is his real name — and Joe Exotic breed, and Carole Baskin doesn’t breed. That’s a huge difference. If you’re breeding, that’s a whole mark against you, and also Carole Baskin is trying to get the Big Cat Pub Safety Act passed to outlaw this thing...I’ve met Carole Baskin, but I’ve never been to her place. I don’t know what it’s like. I’m so concerned about making our place the best we can make it, I really don’t go around too much...the producer did an interview with the Washington Post and he actually mentioned PAWS and said there are sanctuaries that are run professionally and differently, and we were the only one that he mentioned...That cult life that almost all of those places had is really common with tigers, elephants and wild animals. I think some people are just attracted to it and love it. I don’t know how anyone can love keeping a tiger in an enclosure.

I don’t love doing this. I don’t love the fact that...they have a limit, they have a fence.

Oh yeah, I’ve heard of all of them. Doc Antle, I mean back in the ‘80s we knew about him...30 years ago we went to the zoo association...we knew we needed the zoos to help stop people like you saw in that show, and to make sure that people like that weren’t breeding tigers, weren’t stealing the babies from their mothers and weren’t shooting the tigers. We went to the major zoos in the country and they didn’t help us, so we were on our own. We pretty much got circuses off the map. They’re pretty much gone because people understood, after so many years of trying to educate people, that elephants shouldn’t be on a stage and shouldn’t be traveling from city to city in a train car or a truck and being addressed by a bullhook... so people understand that and the circus is pretty much vanished, but they don’t really understand about tigers.

When I was growing up and when everybody was growing up, it’s drilled into your head that the only way to save tigers is to breed them. That’s not the way to save tigers — the way to save tigers — and any animal — is to save their habitat.

One of the things touted in this docuseries is that by breeding the tigers, you’re helping the species, and that dragging them around to malls and letting children hold the cubs is a form of education. What are your thoughts on that?

Was there anything you saw in the docuseries that absolutely horrified you, and do you believe these scenes were glossed over by production at all?

I talked to somebody today who is in the animal welfare industry, and they weren’t happy with the treatment that the tigers got in this. They thought it was too much about the personalities. Just to get that one scene where they are pulling a brand new baby (tiger) in the mud and in the dirt with a stick up from underneath the mother and underneath a rusty fence and it’s screaming, and what’s the mother thinking?

The mother has such maternal instinct. It has to be confusing and stressful for these mothers, all of a sudden their whole litter is gone and these guys are dragging it into their house to feed it by the bottle...I think just to get that one scene in a seven-part series was really effective and I was happy that they used that. Also, Joe Exotic carrying a gun and shooting when a tiger grabbed him and dragged him around the cage — you can see the type of people...everybody has a mugshot. They’re not the kind of people you would expect are in charge of conservation of tigers.

I think we’re teaching disrespect. I think kids learn something — that it’s okay to hold a baby tiger for some reason.

The tigers know how to procreate... back off of their habitat and let them live where they’re supposed to. No one’s taken a baby tiger, raised it in captivity and released it into the wild...it just isn’t realistic...There are so many things that are misunderstood about captivity. The animals that are born in captivity live their whole life in a cage and die in a cage. None of it has anything to do with conservation.

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What is the harm in cub petting and sharing tiger selfies online, and what impact does it have on the animals?

How can people contribute to the cause of saving exotic animals in captivity?

Every baby that they hold was dragged away from its mother, just like the worst scene in that documentary. So hopefully, that will stick in people’s minds that the mother is abused and the baby is abused in order for you to do that...

They buy their tigers from people like those on the show. If you look closely at the records from the show, there are places in California that Joe Exotic dealt with, and they’re in business and people go and pay money to see them. Those are the cats that come from a place like Joe Exotic’s.

I know it’s hard and donations are tough because everybody has to worry about themselves right now, but when this [the coronavirus pandemic] is all over, don’t forget about us. They can go to www.pawsweb.org and they can see when the next open house would be rescheduled and all of our events that we would normally have. We don’t have very many, but you’re welcome to come and visit. It’s nothing like Joe Exotic’s tour, thank God.

PAWS successfully advocated for a ban on bullhooks in California — a brutal tool used to tame elephants. What’s next for PAWS?

This Q&A gives readers just a glimpse of the podcast; to listen to the episode in its entirety, visit www.209magazine.com.

After the bullhook ban, most people in the public now knows you shouldn’t hit an elephant with one...We got the weapon banned in California, and now I think that elephant welfare has a life of its own. The tiger thing is what’s not being understood now, and it’s a complicated issue because it’s an endangered animal. Why wouldn’t you breed an endangered animal? It’s hard to explain it...so we started concentrating on tigers and lions in the last few years and it’s worked out [well]. This “Tiger King” show...I don’t know how anyone can watch it and think that roadside zoos are a thing of the future. I think they are a thing of the past, and it should’ve been years ago...Every zoo in California came up and said they support the bullhook ban. That was what really made it sail through...that was a huge step, I think, and now the CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums has written a letter that he is in favor of the Big Cat Public Safety Act, I don’t see how anyone could vote against it.

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Experience Winning

We’re here for you.

Thanks for being there for us now.

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bethanyripon.org • 930 W. Main Street, Ripon 15

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intheknow

By VIRGINIA STILL

PHOTOS BY VIRGINIA STILL/ 209 Magazine

F

eeding hope is what Second Harvest Food Bank is all about.

Although hunger never takes a holiday, the need for help now is greater than what it has been in the past.

With the rise in unemployment and early school closures due to COVID-19 the food bank has seen a greater need to distribute food to the community.

Keenon Krick, Chief Executive Officer, and Jessica Vaughan, Executive Assistant/Director of Development, are at the forefront of the distribution center.

The location in Manteca receives food from various donors that helps feed children, seniors and families at locations throughout the Central Valley.

“We have over 80 agency partners

We went from distributing around 228,000 pounds of food per week prior to March to around 350,000 pounds of food per week. ­—Keenon Krick

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and three major programs that help us get that food out to the community in the most efficient manner possible,” said Vaughan. “Our main goal is to make food easily accessible to those that need our services. So that is why we do the partners and the programs because if we can put food right in somebody’s backyard instead of having them come all the way to Manteca, we are doing them a better service.”

As have many non-profits and other organizations Second Harvest has also had to cancel a few fundraiser events due to the pandemic. However, organizations have also become creative as local radio station KAT Country 103 and the food bank partnered for an

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KAT Country has been a phenomenal partner and always steps up to help them out, along with rock station 104.1 The Hawk. ­—Jessica Vaughan All-California Country concert in May. The virtual concert included country artists Jon Pardi, Gary Allan, Devin Dawson, Tyler Rich and Cam performing on the radio station’s Facebook page using Facebook Live. The successful effort raised over $1,500 in an hour for the food bank.

Vaughan said that KAT Country has been a phenomenal partner and always steps up to help them out, along with rock station 104.1 The Hawk.

Second Harvest began serving the community in 1976 as Good Samaritan Community Services helping low income seniors in San Joaquin County.

At the time they collected more food than needed and shared the abundance with other non-profit charities. They joined forces with Feeding America, formerly known as America’s Second Harvest, which allowed them to grow and expand their services. In 2001, they merged with Modesto-Riverbank Stanislaus County Food Bank and formed what is now known as Second Harvest Food Bank of San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties. They also oversee operations in Calaveras, Amador, Tuolumne, Merced, Alpine and Mariposa counties where they partner with their distribution stations.

Since the partnership with Feeding America, Second Harvest was able to connect with corporate donors like Save Mart, Raley’s, Costco and Winco.

“We are very fortunate they donate to us,” she said about the partnerships.

Along with the corporate donations of food, Second Harvest also hosts food

drives where they can receive a good amount of donated items. Vaughan was at a food drive in Ripon in April where they obtained 3,700 pounds of food. There are people who also donate directly to the distribution center.

“The community that we are in, we are very blessed,” added Vaughan. “I think they are incredibly generous. They want to take care of their neighbors and they are doing everything they can to do so.”

The food bank services are essential and with an increased demand of almost 60 percent since the pandemic started, donations, food drives and volunteers are needed more than ever.

“We went from distributing around 228,000 pounds of food per week prior to March to around 350,000 pounds of food per week,” said Krick. “It seems to be continuing to go up and we anticipate with higher unemployment they will be seeking food bank services.”

So as the 80 agencies throughout both counties attain food and distribute the items from their pantries to the community, supplies need to be replenished. Along with the food assistance program, they also offer Food 4 Thought for students, Senior Brown Bag for senior citizens, and the Mobile Fresh Program, which is a mobile pantry that distributes fresh produce twice a month.

“It (Mobile Fresh) is our only direct distribution,” said Vaughan. “ It goes out anywhere between three to four times a week and serves on average 200 to 350 people at a time in a one hour period. It is a very quick way to get a lot of food 209MAGAZINE.COM

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out to the community fast.”

Along with their regular staff, they are also highly dependent on volunteers. They have had a variety of volunteers including local politicians, Rotarians, different businesses and residents of the area. They have taken all the safety precautions possible for staff and volunteers with constant sanitizing throughout the day, having volunteers wear masks and gloves and 6 feet social distancing markers, as well as locked gates and doors to limit outside access.

“It is a volunteer-driven organization with the packing of the food and everything,” said Krick. “We get food from all these sources and it has to be packaged so we can be sure that we are providing the public the most nutritious food that we can possibly gather for them and get that out in a timely fashion so volunteers are essential.”

The organization is hopeful to possibly have their Chili Cook off fundraiser in August, Hit the Streets breakfast in September and Turkey-okee in November. With several events being canceled already it will have a negative impact financially, so fundraising is imperative for the food bank to continue providing the services that they do.

For more information, visit localfoodbank.org or visit their Facebook page or call 209-239-2091.

“We are all very happy,” expressed Vaughan of being able to provide their services. “Who gets to say every day that they get to go to a job that directly impacts somebody’s life? That is pretty massive.” ■

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intheknow

PHOTO BY THAMEUR DAHMANI from Pexels

By ANGELINA MARTIN

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IT TEACHES CHILDREN VERY EARLY THAT THEY HAVE A PART IN TAKING CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND TAKING CARE OF THE ANIMALS WHO SHARE THE PLANET WITH US.

I

Though the adjustment has been trying at times, Killeen is glad she’s still able to spread joy through her animals. Whether at someone’s home or at a school, the show is always the same: an educational presentation that informs children how important the reptiles are and how we can work together to save their habitats.

“It’s been really wonderful...I know it’s an experience or birthday party that the child will never forget,” Killeen said. “Their party had to be canceled, but they got some lizards to come and visit them anyway.”

Thanks to her background in preschool teaching, Killeen is able to not only provide the facts, but ensure the kids pay attention long enough to understand them. She’s even brought her reptiles to birthday parties for millennials, she said, as snakes and lizards make for quite the exciting party guests.

“It doesn’t matter what their age is — kids love it,” Killeen said. “They think they’re doing something really cool at school when they get to touch a snake or lizard.”

Over the last three decades, Killeen said she has seen firsthand how important it is to educate youth about animal conservation. While she loves her reptiles, the best part about her wild job is seeing the smiles on children’s faces as they appreciate and understand the beauty of exotic animals.

“We’re providing children with an opportunity to pet animals safely and they really don’t have an experience like that outside of a show like this,” Killeen said. “We’re also educating them when we show endangered species, and we talk about why there aren’t many of them.

It teaches children very early that they have a part in taking care of the environment and taking care of the animals who share the planet with us.” ■

t’s not every day that children are able to interact with exotic animals like prehensile-tailed skinks and Ball Pythons, but Stockton native Teressa Killeen has turned the experience into a scaly, educational encounter for local youth through Lizard Lady Reptiles.

Since 1990, Killeen’s reptile show has traveled to schools, birthday parties, summer camps and libraries, sharing a wildlife experience which allows participants to interact with lizards and the like typically found only in the wild. The Lizard Lady originally rose to fame in the Bay Area, but brought her show home to the Central Valley about three years ago.

“I grew up in Stockton, and part of what I credit my love of reptiles to comes from growing up in the Valley. We would always see garter snakes and frogs, or go hunting for polliwogs,” Killeen said.

When it comes to her reptile show, however, the animals are much larger than tadpoles and far more exciting than a tiny snake. Most of Killeen’s animals — which she lovingly calls her pets — are endangered species from all over the world. None of her reptiles are venomous and have participated in the show for decades, like Puff the bearded dragon, Scooter the skink and Bob the 70-year-old tortoise.

Typically, Killeen and her critters entertain crowds of children at preschools and libraries via an educational seminar, where those in attendance can pet the animals and learn about preserving their habitats. Lately, the coronavirus pandemic has put these events on hold.

That hasn’t stopped the Lizard Lady from sharing her reptiles with the public, however, as Killeen has kept herself busy by attending small, socially-distanced birthday parties, immediate family visits at her clients’ homes and, most recently, Zoom calls where the community can get to know the animals virtually.

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For more information about Lizard Lady Reptiles, follow Killeen on Facebook or contact her at 650-557-2254.

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intheknow

By SABRA STAFFORD

S

ometimes when a beloved pet dies a child might be told they went off to live at a farm where it's a virtual eden and they have lots of room to run and frolic.

In the case of Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary, that idyllic spot for farm animals is very much real.

Located on the outskirts of Stockton and bordered by the Delta, blueberry bushes and almond orchards, farm animals have found a place where they can live out the remainder of their lives, or in some cases recuperate and rest before the sojourn to their forever home.

"This is a safe haven for animals that are often forgotten," said Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary Executive Director Christine Morrissey.

Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary was founded in 2004 by Karen

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Courtemanche and Annemarie Engelhardt, both longtime animal protection advocates. The sanctuary's first day of operations was on Thanksgiving of that year, but ironically enough the first animals to benefit from the sanctuary were not turkeys, but rather rabbits. It wasn't long before the menagerie of animals started to grow to include other farm animals like goats, small pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and a few dogs and cats.

"Our work brings us animals both near and far," Morrissey said.

"We get animals from factory farms, cockfighting rings and sometimes from people who can no longer afford to keep them or have the space."

With two-and-a-half acres of space and barns for everyone, the animals will either remain at Harvest

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Home Sanctuary or they will reside there until someone adopts them for a life spent on another peaceful farm.

"We have saved the lives of thousands of animals and they all have a name and story to share," Morrissey said. "We provide a platform to share that story."

One of Morrissey's favorite animal companions at Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary is Sadie, a 2-year-old turkey who has grown up on the farm.

"She's kind of like a dog in that she is very connected with us and follows us around," Morrissey said. "She is one of our best ambassadors. She has an Instagram account — @ turkeylife — and she has 'written' her autobiography. We went out on a book tour to all the libraries in San Joaquin County and she would do 'readings.' It was very eye-opening for all the kids."

The role of ambassador is not one taken lightly at Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary.

Besides being a place of respite for often abused and mistreated farm animals, Harvest Home Sanctuary works to prevent further cruelty to these animals by educating the public on caring for companion animals as well as on issues concerning farmed animals.

"It is a real labor of love," Morrissey said.

Typically, the public outreach would include visits to libraries and schools and tours at the farm, but the statewide stay-at-home order to help stop the spread of coronavirus has curtailed all of those activities. Instead, Harvest Home Sanctuary has turned to the digital world to keep the community connected to the farm.

"People can plug in with us on social media," Morrissey said. "We do livestreams and TikTok videos. It's just something to brighten the days."

The fundraising efforts to meet the operation costs of the organization also have gone online.

The Summer Pignic is an annual event that lets people enjoy an afternoon with the little pigs will be done online this year on July 18.

To follow the animals at Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary and to learn more about their volunteer and donor opportunities, visit http:// harvesthomesanctuary.org or visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/harvesthome. ■ 209MAGAZINE.COM

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­— Christine Morrissey

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intheknow

By JEFF BENZIGER

Y

members of the Lake Tulloch Quilters who were readying to decorate the historic Armory, built in 1864 to protect the copper from Confederate raids, with their handiwork.

Lipnick said the Copperopolis Community Center was the first non-profit organization of Calaveras County, formed in 1940, to receive the unincorporated town’s two oldest historic buildings. One of the buildings was the Congregational Church built in 1866.

Lipnick marvels at the way copper ore was transported to Boston and Swansea, Wales for crushing and smelting before May 1869 when the Transcontinental Railroad was completed. The heavy copper ore was hauled on the backs of mules and wagons to Stockton where riverboats continued the journey on the Delta to San Francisco and around the tip of South America.

The discovery of copper in 1860 resulted in Copperopolis cropping up out of the rolling hills. Business establishments

ou can’t tell by driving around the tiny berg of Copperopolis that it significantly contributed to the Union’s victory over the South in the Civil War. The copper mined from the hills of this Calaveras County community beginning in 1860 was shipped back east where it was used for bullets and shell casings fired upon the Confederates during the War Between the States.

“We were the second largest copper producer for the Union in the Civil War,” said town resident Copperopolis Carolyn Lipnick, a member of the non-profit Copperopolis Community Center.

The 160th anniversary of the town – which owes its origin to the mines named Gopher Ridge, Napoleon, Union Copper and Keystone – was intended to be celebrated at the community’s annual Homecoming Pancake Breakfast in April. The event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. It was disappointing for participants, including 209MAGAZINE.COM

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and trial in San Andreas. Bolton spent six years in San Quentin State Prison.

His whereabouts have been debated for over a century since he was released in 1888. One theory is that he lived out his dying years in Marysville under the alias of Charles Wells.

Copper is no longer the bread and butter of Copperopolis. In 1996 real estate developer Castle & Cooke built the semi-private Saddle Creek Golf Resort and later the Town Square, a commercial development with retail and restaurant space as well as apartments.

“They really tried to involve the town and the heritage,” said Lipnick.

They named all the streets after families that started the town and are still here.”

The development was sold to Copper Valley LLC in November 2018 and renamed The Square at Copper Valley.

Restaurants of Town Square attract a steady stream of customers but retailers have had a rough go of staying put over the years. A hotel of about 24 rooms is being incorporated into the square’s clock tower building. A housing project for the golf resort is also on the drawing board. ■

swelled in number from 28 in 1861 to over 90 by 1865.

The town’s short-lived importance ended with an 1867 fire that left the center of town smoldering in charcoal ruins. Copperopolis didn’t completely rebuild because of decreased demand for copper with the conclusion of the war, high transportation costs and an exhausted copper supply. A resurgence in copper mining occurred in the 1880s when Oakes Ames of Boston purchased the Union Mine and placed back into production. This time, however, a smelter was built on site. Copper mining continued on and off until the 1930s.

Lipnick said her group regularly takes second- and fourth-graders on a tour of their town to learn about their town’s significance in the early days.

Copperopolis is also known as the place frequented by famous stage coach robbery Charles Boles, AKA, Black Bart. While living in San Francisco he conducted the robbery of the Sonora-Milton stage at the same location on nearby Funk Hill 10 years apart. His last robbery east of Copperopolis on Nov. 3, 1883 would lead to his arrest

The discovery of copper in 1860 resulted in Copperopolis cropping up out of the rolling hills. Business establishments swelled from 28 in 1861 to over 90 by 1865.

Early-day Copperopolis was served by this two-story wooden schoolhouse built in 1865. Notice the students holding hands to form a ring around the flagpole.

A fire consumed its dry timbers in 1908.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELLA MCCARTY HIATT

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arts&culture

By SABRA STAFFORD

I

n February, Changing Faces Theater Company was preparing for the debut of a comedy murder mystery show to launch their new black box theater in Lodi. Then things went awry, like they did pretty much for everyone.

Even though the coronavirus pandemic put a halt to the debut, Changing Faces Theater Company is finding a way to make the show go on.

Launched in 2002, Changing Faces Theater Company is a non-profit operated by husband and wife team Mike Bartram and Sabrina Willis-Bartram. It was started with a focus on expanding the live theater experience in the area and inspiring a new batch of artists.

"Being a non-profit means that we rely on the support of individuals and community members who want the arts to flourish and believe in us and what we do," Bartram said.

The company's first show was out at a local winery and up until this year CFTC had been performing a summer show at Jessie's Grove Winery in Lodi.

"We did a summer play out there and we thought it would be one and done and it ended up growing from there," Bartram said.

What started primarily with high school students has grown into a summer community theater drawing actors of all ages from the area. The couple codirect the shows and handle the multitude of tasks that need to be done before a show ever takes the stage. They have expanded their summer show to include components for children between 7 to 12 years that includes classes, camps and a mini show.

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"It's a way for younger kids to get their feet wet with theater, without the full-on rigorous rehearsal schedule," Willis-Bartram said.

For some time, they had been longing for a venue that would allow for an expansion of shows and classes. They finally found that spot at a former Zumba studio at 720 W. Lodi Avenue and signed a lease in January.

Eventually, CFTC will offer a season of shows in the black box theater, as well as using it for acting classes, ballroom dance lessons, and they hope a return of the Senior Follies and Lodi's Got Talent shows they staged for the community.

The couple's big plans for the venue and the offerings they will have for the community may have to wait. Until the time comes when they can launch those plans, they will content themselves with more intimate options.

They're hopeful they'll be able to start back in the summer with some acting

classes and camps for children.

They also wanted to do a performance this summer, but how does a theater company stage a performance when gatherings are taboo? For some companies the answer has been to turn to the online world, but for CFTC the answer harkened back to the days of old when actors brought their shows to the people, rather than people coming to the theater.

"We're putting together a traveling show with a small group of actors that we've worked with before," said Willis-Bartram. "People can order a up a show and we'll come out, set it up and perform it for them and their kids and the neighbors."

The first pop-up play CFTC is staging is a 30-minute version of "Alice in Wonderland" and they are currently scheduling dates for June and July.

Theater can really change lives.

It's welcoming to everybody.

"Theater is so much about interacting with other people," Bartram said.

Making sure the show goes on is more than just a financial concern for the couple. It's a passion they share and they are well aware of the impact it can have on people, particularly young children and teenagers.

CFTC recently got a donation from a family whose child went through their program years prior and a very sincere thank you note.

"They included a note that said the theater saved their daughter's life," Willis-Bartram said. "She had been going down the wrong path and it helped get her on the right track. It felt really good to know we had made an impact on someone's life."

"Theater can really change lives," Bartram said. "It's welcoming to everybody." â–

— Mike Bartram

To keep up-to-date with classes when they return and to schedule a pop-up play, visit http://www. changingfacestheater.org or call (209) 747-8043.

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arts&culture

Quarantine Queens

By FRANKIE TOVAR

W

hat do you get when you combine musically inclined sisters who have an interest in zombies, stalkers and video production with a mandatory shelter-inplace order? The answer is Nadine The Band.

Typically performing as a three-piece group with a penchant for solid bass lines, captivating harmonies and dynamic drumming thanks to members Heather Strong, Julie Strong and David Duenas, Nadine The Band has traded in stage shows for YouTube uploads during this three-month quarantine with the Strong sisters taking the lead.

“There are no rules in quarantine,” Julie said.

“I don’t know if anybody sees (the videos), but it’s kind of keeping us sane at the moment since all of our shows were canceled.”

With the sisters hunkered down in their home together away from their drummer and with no live shows on the horizon, Nadine The Band’s music has taken a new, acoustic form online in videos that showcase both the musicality and comedic chemistry of the Strong sisters as they perform original songs such as “Tribal Mechanics” and “Baby Come Home”

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I got so sick of writing songs about boys — writing love songs and breakup songs — I was like, ‘I’m just going to s tart writing songs about zombies.’

— Julie Strong as well as covers from artists like Lana Del Rey and Adele.

To date, Nadine The Band has released seven original songs during the quarantine.

“Hopefully when this quarantine is over, we can get back to it and play some venues. We don’t have anything that we’re officially recording right now, but we have over an album’s worth of new songs,” Heather said.

Although plans to perform live were put on hold in February, living together and making music is nothing new for Heather and Julie who have played under the Nadine The Band banner for the better part of 17 years. With a background in band, choir and musical theatre stretching back to elementary school and with musicians as parents, Heather and Julie were seemingly destined to rock together.

That sense of destiny was solidified by their dad one Christmas morning with a gift for Heather.

“I wanted to play the drums…but then for Christmas my dad got me a bass guitar and made the choice for me, so now I’m a bass player,” Heather said with a laugh.

“It’s like he knew something we didn’t. It’s like he knew a band needed a bass guitar player,” Julie, the band’s guitarist and lead vocalist, said.

By 2003 the band, not yet backed by Duenas on drums, was playing for live audiences and by 2006 they were performing at venues in Los Angeles to Modesto and everywhere in between.

“We’ve played basically every town in the Valley that we can,” Heather said.

Initially inspired by classic rock bands like Queen, The Eagles, Heart and Fleetwood Mac, as well as the punk/emo scene of the early 2000s, Nadine The Band’s current catalog of songs have embraced a more Pop sound. Something its members were less than willing to admit in earlier years.

“ Just know that you can’t stop me now.

You can’t fight back when you’re broken down.

Just know that it’s all over now.

And all you can do is…

Be afraid love, be afraid.

Be afraid, love. It’s too late to be brave.

Be afraid love, be afraid.

Be afraid, love. Digging your, digging your grave.”

“The songs that we write now, I feel like they’re just all over the board,” Julie said.

Though they may have embraced the Pop in their music, Nadine The Band’s songs are anything but conventional. Instead, they are quirky with a tongue-in-cheek humor perfectly fit for an online audience.

“I got so sick of writing songs about boys — writing love songs and breakup songs — I was like, ‘I’m just going to start writing songs about zombies.’” Julie said.

One such song is the aforemen209MAGAZINE.COM

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tioned “Tribal Mechanics” where Julie, backed by Heather’s harmonies, belts out the lyrics:

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The result is a bass-driven earworm of a song.

“I write the songs, so I write the main melody, and that’s the only way it can happen because I cannot harmonize to save my life.

Heather’s so good at it,” Julie said.

“We get along really well and I think there’s some kind of telepathic connection, too. So that helps with the music,” Heather said.

Although their hometown of Atwater has recently made headlines declaring itself a sanctuary city from California’s shutdown orders, there are no clear plans for any upcoming public performances by the band. Still, getting back on stage and in front of a live audience sits atop Nadine The Band’s wish list.

Until that happens, however, fans of the female-fronted group can enjoy their songs and antics via the internet by subscribing to their YouTube channel where they have been uploading new videos at least once a week. ■

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arts&culture

“NOT VERY MANY PROCESSES THAT ARE PART OF PEOPLE’S MODERN LIVES ALLOW THEM TO BE PART OF THE BEGINNING, THE MIDDLE AND THE END,” SHE CONCLUDED, “AND ALSO ALLOW THEM TO BE THE RECEIVER AT THE END. BREAD HAPPENS IN A DAY.” ­—Bonnie Ohara

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Ticket to r se

By TERESA HAMMOND

I

t’s an aroma which can make the fullest belly yearn for one more bite.

Perhaps one of the most beautiful creations one can produce with the most basic and simple ingredients. For 209 author Bonnie Ohara, taking up the art of baking bread was not prompted as a fun housewife hobby, but rather necessity to feed her family.

Ohara, author of Amazon best seller, “Bread Baking for Beginners,” first began baking bread as a two-for. Purchasing a 25-pound bag of flour, utilizing some borrowed books from the library, the author shared baking bread at home was a way to stretch the family budget.

It was also a way to heat their 1920’s Modesto bungalow.

Becoming an author or even a business owner at the time was the furthest thing from the wife and mother of three’s mind.

Yet a result of her library learned skill launched her successful cottage business Alchemy Bread, which she runs from her home, and later landed her a book deal.

“I thought, this is probably spam, because I live in Modesto and bake out of my house,” Ohara said of receiving an e-mail from a publishing house in late 2017.

Upon further communication and review, the self-taught baker learned that the e-mail was far from spam and quickly prompted her into the next chapter of her own life story.

“I have the perspective of someone who’s actually been a beginner,” she said. “I’m a person who taught myself from books and I had always baked from my home.”

While the book was first released in late 2018, the increased interest in bread making thanks to COVID-19 has placed the book at the top of many searches on bread making for

the beginner.

“It became an Amazon best seller due to coronavirus and went out of stock and was back ordered for like a month,” she shared of the book’s recent success.

Coronavirus may be the culprit for the recent surge in sales, however, Ohara’s no-nonsense, simplistic approach to bread making can make even the novice feel more comfortable in the kitchen.

Each recipe in the 150-plus page book is unique to Ohara, who created and tested each recipe in her Modesto kitchen.

The baker shared she simplified by eliminating the variables and building from base bread to sourdough at the book’s end.

“It’s almost like tracing back my whole story of what I started with and what I got comfortable with,” she said.

“I recruited a couple of friends to test the recipes side by side with me,” she continued, “and would say can you make these things?”

The baker also indicated she would follow the recipe right alongside her friends as they put each recipe to the test.

For Ohara, the process of learning to bake bread began in the same place she would resort to to pen the book which was a labor of love – the local library (and Starbucks).

“What I realized is that, I’ve managed to run a baking business while homeschooling three kids,” she shared of adding one more task to her already full bread basket. “Baking is a physical activity; you can talk your kid through long division while you’re dividing your dough. You can’t have a complete thought and write at the same time.

“The irony I always say … in the book I’m depicting this lifestyle where I’m baking with my kids and we’re creating all this gorgeous food,” she 209MAGAZINE.COM

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continued. “When in reality I’m eating a Starbucks pastry for dinner writing this book and my kids were eating Top Ramen ‘cause I’m not there.”

Yet in no time, with tight turnarounds and deadlines, the one-time Modesto Junior College English and Art Major turned baker had the book ready for the world and the publisher. A fact she confided she struggled with initially since, after all, she had not sought out the book deal and, with much respect for the professionals she learned from, personal validation was a struggle.

With the encouragement of family and friends, as well as positive feedback from the publisher, Ohara shared she made peace with the feeling.

“Although all the recipes are unique from each other, the basics are very similar,” Ohara said of the book contents. “Most breads are made the same way. It follows the same trajectory every time. So you’re not going to start with sourdough starter, because adding the sourdough starter is creating another variable.”

Now as her passion formed from necessity has been shared with the world, Ohara noted the extreme gratification she gets from seeing the love others have for the art of baking bread.

“To see people around the world replicate it and share it, I feel so good about it,” she said of her social media audience and being “tagged’ (noted) in posts with pictures of bread made by beginners. “These people are doing my book, and then they get to the end and they’re a very competent baker and they go now what?”

“Not very many processes that are part of people’s modern lives allow them to be part of the beginning, the middle and the end,” she concluded, “and also allow them to be the receiver at the end. Bread happens in a day.” ■

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209MAGAZINE.COM

209 Magazine 39-June-Jul 2020.indd 32

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feature

Photo Contest Winners

Lucy — Where’s my snack?

Lucy Redd is a six-month-old English Bulldog.

Lucy’s human companion is Sara Redd of Modesto.

Redd says at the time the photo was taken, Lucy was watching her participate in a Zoom class for her MPA program. Lucy was confused by the extra voices coming from the computer.

Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines…

“Lucy is an essential part of our family. She entered our family just before Christmas; she was the perfect gift from my husband, Tim. She was never timid or shy; as soon as we brought her home, she was instantly happy in her new surroundings. Since her first day, she has made our house a happy place. When you walk in the door, she greets you with a wiggle.

She loves everyone instantly. Since the stay at home order for COVID-19, our children are home from school and my husband teleworks every other week.

Lucy likes to be with the family and always thinks she needs to ‘help’ with any project you might be working on throughout the house. If someone is sitting down, she needs to be laying on you or next to you.

She has made us smile while being stuck at home.

She is also the star of all Zoom meetings,” said Redd.

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— “I am going to need you to work faster than that...it’s almost time for you to go pick up my afternoon treat. Put your paws into it!”

Leo is a nine-month-old Golden Retriever.

Leo’s human companion is Derek DeGroot of Turlock.

When the photo was taken, Derek was checking emails in the morning while Leo sat next to him and looked over his shoulder.

“Prior to COVID-19, Leo would lounge about the house for most of the day waiting for either my wife or I to come home for a lunch time walk and then again for good in the evening. Now, Leo spends time with us while we work — supervising and sleeping! As an energetic puppy, we have also been able to sneak in more training and playtime during breaks,” said DeGroot.

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Lulu aka Lucia — Lulu’s favorite resting spot.

Lulu aka Lucia is a 1 and half year-old Siberian Husky.

Lulu’s human companion is Diana Finnicum of Manteca.

Finnicum says the photo shows Lulu in her favorite place to go after a long walk or playing fetch, a shady spot in the backyard.

“Our sweet Lulu is a New Year’s Day baby. We love waking up to her sweet smile. She’ll greet you with howls and big hugs and kisses. Her energy is a wonderful distraction, she definitely keeps us on our toes! There’s nothing like her bushy tail passing by the camera on a Zoom or school Teams meeting. From comforting a sad high school senior to lovingly greeting her first responder Dad after another long day at work, our home would not be the same during this time without our beautiful Lulu. We are so grateful for this soft furball,” said Finnicum.

Dexa and Dagger!

German Shepherds love all treats!

Dexa (female) and Dagger (male) are both two-year-old German Shepherds.

Their human companion is Daniel Maciel of Hilmar.

Maciel was giving them a treat when the photo was taken. They love treats!

“My German Shepherds are loyal, loving, and great guard dogs. I love to teach them new tricks and play fetch. They are great guard dogs too! We have been spending more time with our dogs Dagger & Dexa during COVID-19. We have been taking more walks together in our almond orchards. Swimming is also an activity we like to do, especially with the heat rising. I’m blessed to have our dogs. They’re awesome,” said Maciel.

King Meow — I was born to walk the catwalk.

Claro Costa aka King Meow is a 2 and half year-old Siamese mix.

Claro’s human companion is Sarah Costa of Hilmar.

Costa said the photo shows Claro, who is always curious, hanging out on a window ledge.

“I found Claro, aka King Meow, when he was about three months old.

He was scared, alone and very sick. Right when I saw him, I knew I had to fix him. I didn’t know much about cats but let me tell you, he had me wrapped around his little paws. Although 2020 has been a year full of uncertainties due to COVID-19, this pandemic has actually affected our relationship in a positive way. Due to shelter in place, I have been able to give him my undivided attention 24/7. He has been able to explore the world he lives in safely under my supervision. He has even got to binge watch ‘All American’ on Netflix with me. During these unsettling times, it’s comforting to be able to curl up next to your pet and relax. I wish you all a safe and healthy rest of your quarantine,” said Costa.

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feature

Editor s Picks Mustache the Zoom master — So this is what she does all day…

Mustache is a domestic longhair feline. He is approximately 13 years old.

Mustache’s human companion is Linda Stuhmer of Turlock.

Stuhmer said the photo shows Mustache when he decided to join a Zoom meeting with her colleagues in Chicago.

“Working from home has created an unexpected blessing in getting to be home with our cats and dogs.

They all stay nearby (Mustache very near at times!). Having them around results in a calming feeling during these confusing and uncertain times,” said Stuhmer.

The Boss Rocki Ruu — Making sure the job gets done!

Rocki Ruu is a Border Collie and Kelpie mix.

Rocki Ruu’s human companions are Doug and Judy Bradshaw of Oakdale.

The Bradshaws said the photo was taken on Christmas Day while Doug and his dad were re-decking the trailer. Rocki Ruu jumped up and laid down to oversee the project.

“Rocki never leaves Doug’s side. Since shelter in place, we spend lots of time at home. Rocki loves to jump up on the porch swing and hang out. She makes us laugh! Such a sweet, happy soul she is.

We just love her,” said Judy Bradshaw.

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Honorable Mentions

My coworker, Mugsy Mugsy is always willing to help me complete my work tasks in a timely fashion.

Bella at Contentment Brewing Just trying to fit in with mom ‘n dad once they’ve had a few IPAs!

You think you’re the boss of me?

That’s funny!

My kitten Bisous, thinks it amusing when I act like I’m the boss of her. She knows who’s really in charge.

Bailey Boo

Ellie the Corgi

Oscar Mayer, Jr.

It’s ruff attending depositions via Zoom.

Ellie is a spunky corgi from Turlock, full of energy and loves anyone that gives her any attention.

She even has her own Instagram @EllieTheCaliCorgi

This is a joke, right???

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209 Magazine 39-June-Jul 2020.indd 39

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flavors

By VIRGINIA STILL

B

PHOTOS BY BY RONNIE J PHOTOGRAPHY

arely Buzzed creator Amin Mozeb is a master mixologist with over 10 years of bartending experience. He brought Barely Buzzed to fruition in 2017, as a consulting company that specializes in liquid catering for events and private parties. This year Mozeb will be creating classes for people who want to have fun, learn technique and the skills needed to become a bartender.

“It (Barley Buzzed) is a lifestyle that I try to pass on to other people creating moments into memories,” said Mozeb. “We create different party ideas for people to enjoy that most don’t get to see on a normal basis at a house party, bar or restaurant.”

Mozeb has spent some time traveling the world where he learned different techniques and ways of doing business. One of his favorite places was Barcelona, which he calls the capital of cocktails that had some of the best bars and restaurants in the world. He has been the bartender at establishments but prior to the pandemic he was the liquid caterer at events and consulting with bars and restaurants by creating a new beverage program for

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them and training their staff, sharing skills and techniques.

With events being canceled, bars and restaurants closed and the uncertainty of the hospitality industry, Mozeb plans on expanding Barely Buzzed into bartending classes or just fun classes for people like a paint night or date night with cocktails in the near future.

“The most enjoyable part is being a part of the hospitality business and being a part of this wonderful industry that allows you to be an entertainer, friend and therapist,” added Mozeb. “My favorite part is creating moments into memories, with smiles and laughter and love all through creating a beautiful cocktail and allowing them to experience something that they might not have had through a creation that we make. I love being innovative and staying up on the trends.”

Mozeb has shared three cocktails with us using tequila for the Pineapple Cha Cha, vodka for the Apple of My Eye and a Southern Kiss made with bourbon.

The Pineapple Cha Cha was so named, he said, because when you drink it you will want to do the Cha Cha. Pour 2 ounces of silver tequila in a shaker, ¼ ounce lime juice (half of a lime), ¼ ounce simple syrup (2 cups water, 1 cup sugar), 4 ounces Dole Pineapple juice out of the can, a pinch of chili powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Shake the ingredients over ice and strain into a glass with a chili powder and sea salt rim. Use the lime on the rim so the chili and salt mixture stick to the glass and add pineapple wedges, slices or chunks. The flavors go well together and it is not spicy so if you want to turn the heat up add more chili powder. It is very refreshing for a warm summer day.

Apple of my Eye is made with 2 ounces vodka, 1.5 ounces cranberry juice, 1 ounce fresh squeezed blood orange, that is topped off with unfiltered apple juice or hard cider, whichever you prefer. Give the drink a quick stir and it is ready to quench your thirst.

For the bourbon drinkers, a Southern Kiss will hit the spot. Fill a shaker with ice and pour 2 ounces of bourbon, half a fresh squeezed lemon, half a fresh squeezed orange, ½ ounce maple syrup, and 4 dashes of angostura bitters. Strain into a rocks glass and garnish with an orange peel. This one is a cross between an old fashioned and a whiskey sour, with the aromas of the lemon, orange, bitters with nutmeg and herbs complementing the bourbon. ■ 209MAGAZINE.COM

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flavors

BRINGS ASIAN FLAIR TO DOWNTOWN TURLOCK

By ANGELINA MARTIN

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t’s not very often that you can find dishes with Indian, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese influences as part of one deliciously-cohesive menu, but that’s exactly what restaurateurs Jennifer Doerksen and LeRoy Walker have accomplished in their second downtown endeavor, First & Main.

Doerksen and Walker already established themselves as culinary powerhouses in Turlock’s downtown restaurant scene through the success of Bistro 234, which opened in 2001 and has since influenced forthcoming Main Street eateries through its use of local ingredients and approachable style of fine dining. Throughout the years, the eatery on the east side of the tracks has come to serve as a friendly gathering place for the community — something Doerksen and Walker hope to recreate at First & Main through a unique dining spot that aims to provide patrons with an experience, rather than just a meal.

“This is a totally different concept and I think what we did down there, we’re really hoping we can do over here…We have folks who have become a regular lunch bunch and we’re looking for that same atmosphere here where it’s a communal table,” Doerksen said.

With its crafty cocktails, modern décor and purposeful seating arrangements, the aptly-named First & Main sits on the corner of the two streets and caters to a younger crowd whose scene has exploded on the west side of the tracks, thanks to its nightlife destinations and other trendy food options.

Shared plates like shrimp tempura and flavorful samosas encourage social circles to connect in one of the restaurant’s large, comfortable booths and individuals can get to know someone new courtesy of the space’s shared table, where they could be seated next to a stranger.

“I think this menu is catered to the young crowd — not to say we don’t want the Bistro crowd, but here it’s a little more of a vibrant atmosphere and

it’s faster moving,” Walker said. “The aromas are different coming out of this place.”

A self-described “meat and potatoes guy,” Walker said exploring First & Main’s exotic menu was something entirely new for him.

“I was introduced to a different flavor profile, and it opened up my palate again,” he said. “It made me want to rethink what I was doing cooking wise.”

Spice expert Mohini Singh, who teaches Culinary Arts at Pitman High School and happens to be married to Walker, played a huge role in crafting First & Main’s menu, he said, drawing inspiration from her Indian background to develop dishes that are light, flavorful and never-before-seen in Turlock. Some dishes play heavily on the rich spices often found in Indian cuisine, like the Braised Tandoori Short Ribs, while other menu options pull from different Asian influences, like the variety of hot bowls that feature ingredients such as clams and pork belly.

“Bistro 234 is California flare with a European influence and this is California flare that has the entire continent of Asia’s influence,” Walker said. “I don’t feel like it’s available in the area at all…

We wanted to create something that had a lot of flavor-forward dishes, but with a nicer ambience.”

With its high ceilings that feature exposed, wooden beams, lush greenery throughout the restaurant and utilitarian details in its seating, the restaurant’s design was crafted thanks to help from Debra Volk and Diane Watling of downtown décor shop D2, with Vietnam’s French colonial era serving as its muse. Small features like chalkboards on columns and a photo-op wall bring the space into the 21st century, but are minimal enough to ensure the focus remains on the food.

“We really listened to younger people and this is someplace I would want to go,” Doerksen said. “It’s a breathable space where the food shines.” ■ 209MAGAZINE.COM

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We wanted to create something that had a lot of flavorforward dishes, but with a nicer ambience.

— Leroy Walker

IF YOU GO GETTING THERE FIRST & MAIN 100 W. Main Steet Turlock CONTACT To make a reservation, visit https://www.firstandmainturlock.com/ or call 209-620-8760 HOURS: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for Happy Hour 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner Tuesday through Saturday

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flavors

Medlen’s

Beefing up business in time of uncertainty

By MARG JACKSON

Standing where it all began, Steve Medlen got his start in custom meat processing, a part of the business that still keeps him busy; they later added the restaurant side to the House of Beef operation.

“The custom processing, the retail meat counter, catering, the restaurant, they all kind of complement each other.”

— Steve Medlen

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usiness was booming on Easter.

A new kind of business, to be sure, as Medlen’s House of Beef in Oakdale was ‘open’ on a Sunday. Not one of its normal days to be open, the longtime downtown eatery did a special curbside pick-up of pre-ordered holiday meals for Easter Sunday in April.

The restaurant has had to change its business model in order to keep the doors open during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Owner Steve Medlen said Easter was a busy day and the community has responded well to the take-out only style of dining the business has had to adapt to in recent weeks. Not only that, he has used the downtime with no customers allowed in the restaurant portion of the North Third Avenue location to do some renovations, changing the lighting and the seating as well as adding a special photo wall featuring famous local cowboys. The retail side of the 209MAGAZINE.COM

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business has remained open, however, for purchase of cuts of meat, seasonings and rubs, marinades, desserts and more.

The custom meat processing operation started in 1979 and the restaurant came later, though it has been a local favorite in The Cowboy Capital for more than 20 years now as well.

“The (curbside) takeout business was just a spin-off of people coming inside and picking up their meals,” Medlen explained.

Adjusting for the new normal brought on by COVID-19, Medlen’s House of Beef has lunch hours featuring chicken, tri tip or New York steak sandwiches from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and serves full family meals to go for dinner from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The family dinners feature tri tip or baby back pork ribs, both with chili, corn and garlic bread. Individual dinners are available as well, rib eye steak and breaded shrimp, a half rack of

Adjacent to the meat counter in the retail portion of Medlen’s House of Beef, you can find a variety of spices, rubs, marinades and more to help enhance your to-go or cook at home meal.

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

And though it is tougher on businesses baby back ribs, or filet mignon with breaded the longer the pandemic lasts, the longtime shrimp, served with baked potato, vegetable owner said a return to normal needs to be and garlic bread. done systematically, making sure the food They have also made improvements to an supply will be able to get to restaurants efoutdoor dining area and there are stickers to ficiently. It wouldn’t make sense to open up indicate where people can sit at picnic tables and not have adequate product for custom– six feet apart – as well as having a hand ers, he said. washing station on site.

And despite these challenging times, When businesses are able to open up Medlen said he enjoys all aspects of what even more, Medlen said he hopes diners will he does. take advantage of a new customer-friendly House of Beef owner “The custom processing, the retail meat outdoor area that will include misters for Steve Medlen shows the new hand washing counter, catering, the restaurant, they all the coming summer heat, along with fans, station set up for kind of complement each other,” he noted. plants, western décor, some lights and an customers at the food Like business owners across the country, awning — again, with social distancing in pick up area outside the COVID-19 pandemic and its ripple effect mind. his Oakdale restaurant business. took him somewhat by surprise.

“Here we’re on two major highways going “Going from a full-blown operation to through Oakdale and we are impacted by Staff member Christina Ingram, at right, having handcuffs overnight,” he said of the tourism,” Medlen added. assists a customer with a feeling that went along with the cutbacks.

The business has social distancing stickers purchase of ‘to go’ meals, No catering jobs for a few months but a in the curbside pick-up area as well, to keep with the outdoor station continued brisk business with the custom customers safe. set up to accommodate the take out only food meats and a supportive community ordering “It really presents an opportunity and a service. lunches and dinners has kept his spirits up. challenge for the business owner,” he said of “You read the customer, stay with it and adapting. provide some type of service to the public,” Medlen started in the business as a custom Medlen said. meat processor and that portion of the He also was quick to add that he couldn’t business continues to keep him busy most do it alone. days of the week. He offers a wide variety of “I think the value to me is having some meat packs at different price points, serving very dedicated employees,” he pointed out. up a selection that includes baby back pork “I’m really thankful for those dedicated ribs, sausage, bacon, ground beef patties, employees and our marinated chicken, customers.”

USDA choice New Medlen is keeping York steaks, country his eye on the pandemic style pork ribs, pork situation, as are most tenderloin and more. business owners, look“Right now, we ing to see if the supply have everybody chain is remaining wanting to stock steady, what restrictions up on meat,” he are being loosened and explained. “The when, and how he will ‘back room’ is where need to adapt further.

I started and that “There’s a host of side is as busy as we information that we’ll can be.” need to put into our They have made thought process but some changes there, most of all stay safe,” installing Plexiglas An outdoor seating area has been added to House of Beef, which sits near the Medlen said. “I get up to separate the meat intersection of two major highways, 120 and 108, in Oakdale. Owner Steve early, I stay there late cutters and provide an Medlen said misters, an awning, lighting, Western décor and more have been … and we’ll see what added layer of protecadded to make it an inviting and responsible social distancing eating area. tomorrow will bring.” ■ tion. 

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PHOTOS BY MARG JACKSON/ 209 Magazine

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thegreatoutdoors

Summer fishing I

f approached differently, fishing during the months of June and July, can be some of the most enjoyable times of the year to fish. The first thing that comes to my mind when someone talks about fishing in the summer is the heat. When I was younger, I wouldn’t care how hot it was, I would fish the whole day.

Fishing in the heat isn’t the smartest idea, and rarely does it ever pay off. Usually during the heat of the day, the fish seek cooler places, and many anglers will agree with me that the bite for the most part shuts down. Rarely during the summer do I fish past noon.

“When I was younger, I wouldn’t care how hot it was, I would fish the whole day. ” 209MAGAZINE.COM

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During the summer, I’m usually one of the first ones on the water and I’m usually heading home right before all the groups of pleasure boaters arrive.

If I want to fish the evening, I usually leave my house between 4 p.m. and 5p.m. and get off the water around 10 p.m. Once again, I’m avoiding the crowds. All of those that were on the water during the day will already been home, by the time I start heading home. My summer fishing schedule has been great, it puts me on the water while the fish are biting and keeps me home when they’re not. ■

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“Just about all species of fish can be caught during the summer in our local lakes. ” The Lakes The Delta

Just about all species of fish can be caught during the summer in our local lakes. If you’re just looking to catch a fish. There are many bluegills and smaller baitfish to be caught around docks, brush piles or any other type of cover/structure.

It’s tough beating a simple redworm fished under a small bobber for bluegill. For bass, they usually are up shallow during the morning and head deeper during the day. During the morning I’d be throwing some type of topwater bait until the bite stops. After the topwater bite dies down, I usually tie on a Frenzy Baits Nail with a Roboworm on it and move off the bank. I’m usually looking for areas that are off the bank that are in deeper cooler water. By this time of day, there usually is a lot of boat traffic, making fishing offshore a good choice. Things that I look for offshore is underwater island tops, rock piles and bait. Summertime fishing on our lakes is also a great time to target Kokanee. Kokanee are plentiful in most of lakes and are easy to catch when they’re schooling up. The key to catching them is being on the water early and knowing how to find the schools. Once finding the schools there are a variety of Kokanee lures that can be trolled for them. Kokanee are very scent driven, so it’s important to scent your baits, and prefer a slow-moving bait. Anglers often troll at .5mph.

Summertime on the Delta can be brutal. When temperatures top 100 degrees, combined with a low tide, I’m ready to go home. But once the tide turns and the temperatures start dropping, it’s time to start fishing.

Like the lakes, if you’re not fishing a topwater lure during the morning or evening hours, you’re missing out.

Unlike the lakes, on the delta the bass don’t really have a deep-water option during the day, so they seek the next best thing, current and shade. Both of those things provide food, cooler water, shade and oxygenated water.

Summer is not the time to fish dead end sloughs, or areas that are void of current. As the water temperatures rise, bass feed more. For numbers of bass, a rattle trap in a shad pattern is a good choice. For bigger fish, it’s tough beating a Whopper Plopper or a Snagproof Frog. Once the sun is high and the topwater bite has died down, many anglers prefer to flip the grass. Areas where you may have missed a fish or two on a topwater lure in the morning are good areas to go back to and flip. Depending on how thick the grass is, you may have to go to heavier weights to penetrate the grass. There are many creature baits out there that you can use.

Some of my favorites are Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver or a Yamamoto Sanshouo.

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thegreatoutdoors

By MATT JOHANSON

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lue-green water greets me again as I start my run around Castro Valley’s Lake Chabot. Every time I run the nine-mile lap around it, I try to improve my time from the week before.

That requires a good effort on the first segment from the marina to the dam on West Shore Trail, so I run briskly on a perfect spring day.

I’ve been needing and visiting the outdoors lately, and I’m not the only one. In the first weeks of COVID-19 209MAGAZINE.COM

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social distancing restrictions, record crowds descended upon California’s parks. In fact, visitation exceeded typical numbers for even holiday and summer weekends.

So many people flocked to outdoor areas that national parks and many others have closed. One can’t blame stressed and pent-up masses for seeking open space to relax and exercise, but health experts rightly warn that allowing them to gather in popular destinations would

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Regional parks like Lake Chabot closed restrooms and other facilities during the quarantine, but still allowed access to trails.

compound the pandemic crisis.

Thankfully, many state parks remain open to locals who arrive on foot or by bicycle. Regional parks like Lake Chabot have closed restrooms and other facilities but still allow access to trails. That’s been a salvation for people like me who rely on the outdoors to relieve stress and renew ourselves.

Columbine Trail leads through the woods on my run’s middle portion. This is where I feel closest to nature as I trot up and down hills under a canopy of eucalyptus trees. Bald eagles nest here, though I have never spotted them; maybe today will be the day. Bobcats and coyotes show themselves on occasion. I hit the halfway mark 20 seconds behind schedule.

Usually I have this segment to myself, but lately more runners and hikers have been trekking on the lake’s less-visited side. That’s okay, there’s plenty of trail for everyone. As the pandemic set in, it seemed that a whole new part of the population discovered local parks like Lake Chabot. I often gave directions to disoriented newcomers.

In those first weeks, people nervously looked away as I passed them. But since then, more folks smile and wave even as they keep their distance. To defeat the virus, we need to keep physically apart but not emotionally detached. Perhaps outdoor outings are giving people that awareness.

Lake Chabot has given me an incalculable amount since my first high school track workout here in 1985. Thousands of

If you need a lift from the anxiety of the coronavirus, then getting outdoors might be just the answer.

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visits have followed. I’ve had other outdoor loves, like Golden Gate Park, Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite. But I’ve run more at Lake Chabot than I have at all those others combined, making me faster, fitter and happier. How lucky I am to live less than two miles away from it.

Honker Bay to the marina on East Shore Trail finishes my run. I spot the forbidden Live Oak Island and wish for the thousandth time I could explore it. I have to hustle to meet my goal, but I can feel my training paying off. With a moderate effort, I beat last week’s time by 30 seconds, and go home feeling good. Lake Chabot has lifted me again.

If you need a lift from the anxiety of the coronavirus, then getting outdoors might be just the answer. With national parks closed and outdoor communities like Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes begging outsiders to stay away, check out a park near you, either an old favorite or a new discovery. You might find it more crowded than usual, so try to go on weekdays or early in the morning on weekends. Areas closed to cars but open to bikes are a cyclist’s dream right now. Wildflowers are blooming, birds are chirping and spring weather is delightful. Bring your own water, pack out your trash, and thank a ranger if you see one for taking care of public lands and keeping them open.

Running my lake never fails to make me feel better. Running your lake, whatever it is, could help you get through these tough times. There’s never been a better time to love the park you’re near. ■

Matt Johanson and Yosemite Sam the Samurai Dog take a break beside Lake Chabot, their favorite local park.

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fulloflife

By TERESA HAMMOND

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’m not trained to be a teacher.

That was the harsh reality I came to face come late April as my kids returned from “Spring Break” and began the next phase of “Covid Life” by way of distance learning.

As the coronavirus swept much of the nation, as well as the 209, the reality of what it all meant hit us right about the third week of March as our school district closed all campuses. Each district superintendent navigated the uncharted waters in the way they felt was best suited for their team as well as student body.

Navigating what I like to call that “first” phase as a family, was perhaps where my children learned some of their biggest lessons of the school year. With instruction being sent home directing them to enrichment exercises, actually graded learning was not of concern, prior to Easter.

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were put to task by way of chores, mostly outdoors. My partner in life happens to occupy a large piece of property in the country. What better way to pass the time, when in “shelter in place” order than to get some teens outside and put to work.

I actually joked with many of my mommy friends that I’d opted to place my two in a night school program. Outdoor chores by day and laptop dining table learning by night.

Before too long, this new normal began to suit us all just fine.

As I too was working remotely from home, much was able to be done via work duties while my students tended to the great outdoors.

As is customary “Spring Break” (said tongue in cheek) set us all a bit sideways and completely off our routine. By late April, laptops were back out, the directive that students would indeed not be returning to campus was

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“stuck” with people I actually like, it’s also challenging when we are all calling work, school and home the same place. I mean, even the traditional homeschool kid gets to take a field trip and gather with other homeschoolers.

As adults, we often sit and wonder how our kids will reflect back on this time. What will they remember? What will stand out as a highlight or a low moment? In short, what will be the most impressionable of all the moments?

Almost three months in, my hope is they remember our efforts as a family planting a large garden and reaping the rewards of our labor. Or perhaps the day spent with numerous outdoor chores mowing, weed eating, watering and yes — more planting. Those days where our cheeks turned red and our smiles shone bright as we ended the day with a sunset and a game of cornhole.

For me, I’ll remember how we were reminded about the basics, what it means to be a family and what hard work looks like. As for us, this wasn’t found on a laptop, it was found in some dirt and some laughs. Now that … that’s the true “homeschool” life. ■

sent and “distance learning” had become a thing.

We’d also added a small student to our program, as a family friend was in need of help with her 5-year-old as she continued with her career in “essential” work. More learning for my 12-year-old daughter, as she assumed the role as teacher for the youngest of our homeschool trifecta.

As I type this from our master bedroom, a college student in his bedroom three doors down is taking a final, my freshman at the dining table is brushing up on Spanish, while the 12- and 5-year-old are out exploring for the science and nature portion of their learning.

So, here’s the reality and absolute truth, I have no clue how my students have weathered (scholastically) this second part of the school year. Taking it one step further, as a college educated woman with an appreciation for education – I’m just not sweating. Truthfully, I’m more concerned for their lack of interaction with other humans their age who are not related to them.

It’s been tough. Human beings are social by nature. We are not designed to live in isolation and while I’m grateful to be

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fulloflife

By NAT BARTELL

PHOTOS BY NAT BARTELL

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n January, my family took a cruise to Mexico to celebrate the 50th anniversary of my grandparents’ marriage. For those of you who have never been trapped on a boat with 21 of your closest relatives, I can tell you firsthand that it’s a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, I am incredibly lucky that my grandparents paid for a vacation I will probably never be able to afford for myself. On the other, well, there’s only so much time one can spend at the fro-yo bar on a moderately sized boat before going a little insane. After ten days of champagne toasting and riding the waves, we vacated the Grand Princess, unaware that soon it would become infamous for reasons other than my on-deck tarot card readings.

On New Year’s Eve at my parents’ house, we toasted our health again and thanked God for our blessings amidst news of the impending outbreak of a new virus, at the time unnamed, in Wuhan, China. It couldn’t happen to us. How could it? These were the crazy things one hears about on the news but is personally immune to. Train wrecks, houses burning down, pandemics — oh my! Not in my house.

Three months later, everything has changed. We are on shelter-in-home orders, and due to the pandemic nature of COVID-19, all group gatherings have been canceled and forbidden.

Needless to say, this has affected everyone in ways that can’t even be quantified. Spring quarter for my brother and I has gone virtual and my commencement will no longer be happening. My younger siblings will

In a way, the act of perseverance on my mother’s part created a domino effect for the rest of us — not only did she motivate us to collaborate on something for her, she showed us that even in the most trying times, it is possible to persist. not return to school this year, meaning that when my little brother finally goes back, it will be to a different school, and my sister is missing out on some of the most impactful moments of junior high. For my mother, this mandate meant that the marathon she has been training for was also canceled.

My mom has done a marathon before. Almost six years ago, she ran the Santa Rosa marathon the morning after a 6.0 earthquake shook us awake in our hotel room. In training for her next

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Turlock resident Heather Contreras runs her own marathon around town after training for months and having her event canceled due to coronavirus social distancing orders.

marathon, where she hoped to qualify for the Boston Marathon, she got injured and was unable to run. That time, we completed a walking 5K with her coworkers, but I knew she was disappointed at not being able to run the full length that she had planned on. After all, running is her hobby. I can’t imagine how I would feel if I was somehow unable to write for years. All these years later, she was finally ready to run the full 26.2 again, but now her marathon has been canceled. This only dawned on me after sufficient self-pity about the state of my ruined graduation, but apparently people other than myself live three-dimensional life in which they too suffer.

I asked my mom what would happen with her marathon. I don’t know what I expected. Maybe some part of me thought she would throw up her hands and quit, but she smiled. “I’m excited,” she said. “I’m going to run it, and this time I am going to win.” I was astounded. As the only person running the marathon, she would set the fastest time, the slowest time, the best and worst times in her age groups, and effectively win and lose the marathon.

Call it Schrödinger’s Race. In an act of defiance against the worst-case scenario, my mom has chosen to stay positive.

March 28 was the day she chose to

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One of the marathon stations set up for Heather Contreras.

run the race — the Heather Marathon. My dad volunteered to be the pacer for the one and only pacing group by riding his bike alongside her as she runs. My family set up socially distant fueling stations along her route in town, where she was able to get a drink and a snack while my family members cheered her on from her doorway. The only house she entered for a pit stop along the way was our own, and my siblings and I made posters and cheered for her every time she came by. This is not how we wanted it to be, but this is how it is, and we are making the best of it.

When I was a child, my grandpa had this little sand globe that had me mesmerized. It was a gift given to him upon retirement by one of his administrators. The little globe sat on a pedestal, full of white sand and promise, and when it was shifted, the sand would sift from one half into the other like an hourglass, revealing a message in the middle of the globe. “Perseverance moves the mountains…” Flip the globe, and the other side said “…one grain of sand at a time.” I spent hours fixating on this memento, watching the sand

Disinfectant safety precautions during a socially distant photo.

drain slowly into one side or the other, shaking the globe to make it go faster or sitting idle and seeing how the slow movement of sand gradually lessened the little mountain inside until there was nothing left but a small amount of dust — no evidence that a mountain had ever been there.

Perseverance in the face of adversity is perhaps one of the most difficult lessons of all to learn. Unfortunate circumstances offer the opportunity to blossom, but often it is easier to buckle under the pressure that they provide. My mom is not someone who buckles that way, as evidenced by her motivation to do the marathon despite there being no official race.

Many people (myself included), would have taken this as a chance to stop training or find an easier pastime. If that had been the case, we wouldn’t have pulled together this way to make my mom’s marathon experience special. Our call to action would never have arrived. By the end of my mom’s race, our whole extended family had assembled on our street, standing a safe distance apart, to cheer her on through the finish line. My aunt brought a streamer finish line for my mom to break, and mixed roadside victory cocktails. Everyone cheered, including some random bystanders who got caught up in the action. It was one of the most inspiring things I 209MAGAZINE.COM

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Heather Contreras’ children hold motivational signs and cheer on their mom, who decided to run her own marathon on March 28.

have seen in a long time.

In a way, the act of perseverance on my mother’s part created a domino effect for the rest of us — not only did she motivate us to collaborate on something for her, she showed us that even in the most trying times, it is possible to persist. My mom is the definition of the iconic quote “Nevertheless, she persisted.” Running 26.2 miles is hard (not that I would know). Keeping a family together during a time of fear and uncertainty is probably harder. But that hasn’t stopped her from trying, because my mother is the type of person who will stop at nothing to move mountains, even if it does mean moving them grain by grueling grain of sand.

We can all learn a lesson from this to take heart when times are tough. Perseverance isn’t a magic fix, and it’s no guarantee that adversity will not seek you out at the least opportune of times. Sometimes the grains of sand we try to hold slip through our fingers. Better grip next time. If anything, the magic fix is found in trying again, perhaps with better results, until the outcome is as desired. The slow magic of being alive is the magic of infinite opportunities to try again.

With that may come failure, hardship, and heartbreak. But it also comes with love, joy, the small luck of finding a $20 bill in your laundry every so often. The opportunity to find a silver lining in a pandemic.

And my mom’s silver lining is that after countless hours of running in the wind and rain, persisting in training despite the event being canceled, she still won the race. ■

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6/3/2020 9:08:01 AM

placecalledhome

Back to

gardening

Those plants in your yard, patio or on the balcony might just need a little love and right now you have the time.

T

By RHO YARE

he other day I was thinking that with so many people unable to work because of businesses forced to close, children with no school or day care, and those “self-quarantining� for health reasons, maybe this would be a good time for you to try gardening.

In most cases plants are forgiving, will not lecture you, give away any of your secrets, request money nor the car keys. Those plants in your yard, patio or on the balcony might just need a little love and right now you have the time.

If you are fortunate to have some land around your home perhaps this would not only give you other options of things to do while at home but make your world more attractive and interesting. Wander round your space and reacquaint yourself to what is planted there. This might be a good time to weed, trim, or remove shrubs or plants that are no longer looking their best. Perhaps 209MAGAZINE.COM

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checking the irrigation system or planning some changes that you might like to make to your outside environment.

At this point all the health experts are telling us that spending time outside is good for us if you are healthy and if we do not congregate with those not in our immediate living situation. Including young people in the exploration of your garden/yard is a wonderful way to talk to them in a relaxed setting and listen to their fears, interests, and frustrations. If there are no young people in your home, then this might be a perfect time for a solo garden experience.

You could review those things you wished you had said or practice what you will say to friends, co-workers, or someone who you find interesting. I find that I can solve all the problems of the world, of my family, and make lots of plans while pulling weeds. Most of the time my heated solo discussions make my garden cleaning speed along.

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Although some resources have been curtailed the internet has many sites that can give you gardening advice. Another source is the UCCE Master Gardeners of Stanislaus County. Master Gardeners are volunteers who have completed a rigorous course of classes and would welcome your questions, offer free advice, and encouragement. You can contact us by phone or internet at (209) 525-6802 or ucmgstanislaus@ucanr.edu Adding gardening and outside time to your schedule might help with some of the long and possibly boring days ahead. None of us want to be “stuck” in our homes but expanding our horizons to a little beyond the four walls just might make this time more interesting for you and give you some new skills and interests. ■ I hope you will join me online to learn how to grow spring vegetables in containers on our new YouTube Channel at bit.ly/stancogardeners — Rho Yare is a Stanislaus County Master Gardener

You could invite that person who shares your home to join you outside in your gardening area to keep you company while you work. A change in routine and space can sometimes produce surprising results. Sharing this time might make communication easier and perhaps alleviate some fears and anxieties.

Getting away from all those screens and looking at something besides the inside of your home could be beneficial to your mental wellbeing. If you have a patio or balcony you can still garden and have the benefits of exercise, stress reduction, beautification, education, and possibly a food source.

Children are especially excited when the seeds they plant in containers begin to sprout little green leaves. You might already have some containers that can be used for your small space garden.

Or consider the next time you make that trip to purchase home supplies at a grocery or variety store you add a container, some soil, and a package or two of seeds. It is amazing how your gardening experiment will be interesting, challenging, and have the bonus of the “I did this” factor for adults as well as for young people.

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6/3/2020 3:06:00 PM

LENDING IN YOUR COMMUNITY Cathy Ghan

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HELP US

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WATER TROUGHS, NEGLECTED POOLS AND WATER FEATURES.

REPORT TO THE DISTRICT: • Large amounts of mosquitoes • Report neglected swimming pools • Daytime biting mosquitoes around the home Yellow Fever Mosquito

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6/3/2020 9:08:03 AM

marketplace

A little wine, a little

J

udy Grossman’s Brush and Cork art studio in Sonora is a popular place for people to gather and let loose their inner artist, some with the help of a glass of wine or two.

“I like to describe it as a party, not a class,” Grossman said of her guided paint nights.

When the coronavirus pandemic forced Grossman to close her doors, it could have been the end of the party, but she has found a way to keep the fun and creativity flowing at a time when people need it the most by hosting online paint parties and it’s proving to be a popular option.

Grossman follows a fellow artist out of Texas with a similar business model and had previously purchased a program about how to set up online

I knew I was just going to have to dive in if I wanted to save my business. ­—Judy Grossman classes, but had shelved it without really exploring it. Now, it was going to prove a wise investment.

“I had to think fast on my feet,” Grossman said. “I knew I was just going to have to dive in if I wanted to save my business.”

The first online class was offered on Facebook Live, but since then has 209MAGAZINE.COM

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moved to Zoom, which Grossman said helps keep a communal experience because everyone can see each other. Her first online paint night used a theme popular in the studio — a pop art pet photo party. Attendees purchase their tickets and send in a photograph of their pet. Grossman and her staff print the photo out and trace it onto a canvas. Participants then pick up the canvas, along with their supplies through a curbside program and tune in for the online party. Just like the studio events, participants provide their own beverage of choice.

“It has been working really well,” Grossman said. “I’m getting people who always wanted to try it, but never seemed to have the time. Now their schedule is free and they’re giving it a

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6/3/2020 3:07:08 PM

paint, a lot of fun

By SABRA STAFFORD

try. People seem to be thankful for the distraction right now.”

The studio sessions were limited to about 30 people, which has been about the same online, though Grossman said they can accommodate more. The online courses have two price point options. If people already have supplies and just need the outlined canvas, then the cost is $10. For those needing supplies and the canvas, the cost is $25.

Participants don’t need to have any exceptional artistic skills to enjoy the class and come out of it with a project worthy of hanging on a wall. Grossman and her two other teachers provide easy step-by-step instructions for painters to follow along on the pre-drawn canvas.

Grossman obtained her Bachelor of Fine Art from California College of

The Arts, in Oakland and her teaching credential from San Francisco State University in 1975. She went on to become an accomplished sign artist, designer, mural artist, fine artist and teacher for over 30 years. She has painted murals in Pontiac, Illinois, San Jose del Cabo, Baja, Danville, Illinois, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Plymouth, Wisconsin, Kewanee, Illinois and most recently designed and directed the community mural in downtown Sonora for the Sonora Farmers’ Market and the Mark Twain mural at the entrance to Angels Camp.

Missing the connection she had as a teacher, Grossman started Brush and Cork in 2014, and in 2016, she made it her full-time occupation after retiring from JJ Signs and Designs.

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Brush and Cork did offer private parties in the studio and are doing the same thing in the virtual format.

Grossman said it’s a great way to celebrate some of the milestones that cannot be celebrated in person.

While the online parties have helped keep her business operating and her community of painter connected, Grossman will happily greet the day when people can return to party in her studio.

“It will be great to see everyone’s faces in person,” Grossman said. ■ For more information about Brush and Cork and to see upcoming classes, visit www.brushandcork.com, call (209) 533-4542 or follow them at facebook.com/brushandcork.

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marketplace

By VIRGINIA STILL

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOSEPH G LOPEZ

M

usic plays a key role in many important moments of our lives. Frank Gallardo, professionally known as DJ Frank G, with the Exclusive DJ Company, has shared his love of music and for almost 20 years, entertaining people at a variety of events including house parties, weddings, clubs, birthdays, family reunions and corporate events.

DJ Frank G was in a break dance crew in the early 1980s where his love for music grew. As he was following the music and saw there were DJs that would play a continuous mix and add their own spin to a record, it intrigued him.

“When I found out that was the art of a DJ, I fell in love with that,” said Gallardo. “The fact that they provided music for dancing and entertainment was a bonus.”

In 1987 at a high school party, Gallardo and other inspiring DJs pieced together a system with speakers, turntables and a mixer to entertain the party goers. This was his first gig which led to many more and the creation of his own business. His goal after high school was to become a radio DJ. After spending some time at Delta College in Broadcast Journalism he got an opportunity to work for KWIN radio. He spent about three years with KWIN and in order for promotion as a radio DJ he would have to move to a bigger market. However, he was starting a family and decided to pursue other career options as well as DJ-ing at local clubs, which led to other events as well as weddings.

As DJ Frank G started making a name for himself and people started requesting his

services on a regular basis, in 2001 he decided to open his own business: The Exclusive DJ Company.

“The wedding industry for me is what I needed to get into in order to be making it as a DJ,” added Gallardo. “All the small gigs don’t really pay the bills. It is more weddings and other corporate gigs where the financial stability is at, in this region anyway.”

In the beginning he was the sole employee and would travel wherever he needed to from Fresno to Red Bluff, San Francisco to Napa and everywhere in between. After a while he realized that he needed to keep his market closer to home and build his business locally.

For the most part he now stays in the 209 which he expressed keeps him really busy but there is less stress.

Gallardo explained that there is a lot more

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to being a DJ than playing music. The preparation, set up, engaging the audience, having the right playlist and being able to read the crowd are also key.

“Sometimes the playlist that they think is going to be great for their wedding turns out to be a flop and you still have to entertain the people and make decisions of what the right music is to play to keep them entertained,” said Gallardo. “That is something, unfortunately, a lot of DJs don’t have is the experience and the knowledge of different styles of music and the party isn’t as great as it could’ve been if they were a little more selective and had more options to offer.”

Along with the special events Gallardo had a few regular gigs like the Motown Party every Thursday on the rooftop at Bella Vista in Stockton. The soul, funk and R&B vibe on the rooftop along with the diverse crowd in a wide age range was one of his favorite things to do at the time. Each year he throws a New Year’s Eve party and a Halloween bash called “Freak Night” in Stockton that brings crowds of people out for a night of amusement.

Then COVID-19 hit and shut everything down. The social distancing order came into effect along with the shelter in place. This order closed all bars, clubs and shut down gatherings including weddings. The uncertainty the pandemic brought has been cause for concern for many, including DJ Frank G who has had several cancelations and reschedules for 209MAGAZINE.COM

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next year. Fortunately for him, he has been able to get by and has been staying positive, taking an occasional music production course online to stay creative and enhance his skillset.

With his love of music and entertaining, DJ Frank G has been using social media as many other artists and performers during these times have done with virtual concerts online. The live sessions range from about 40 minutes to an hour depending on how long the platform like Facebook or Instagram allows. People are able to make requests and basically have a professional DJ entertain them at home right from their phones, tablets or computers. With people commenting and throwing out emoji’s it is nowhere near the same as having a live audience but the interaction and connections are still made.

Although DJ Frank G is not a huge fan of being on camera he has adjusted well and draws a crowd online as more people join the dance party. He keeps the music going, bringing a party vibe on a Friday night right to your own home.

“The live aspect in that regard makes it different, plus the DJ’s personality and his vibe can set the tone of the party,” expressed Gallardo. “You’ve got to be able to talk and engage and create a vibe. You have to be very observant. So, you can’t have your face stuck in your computer screen the whole time during a live show.”

During these unprecedented times people are trying to stay connected to others and still have fun in creative ways.

DJ Frank G has no plans for stopping or closing; he said as things change during the course of the pandemic, he will adapt to the times whatever that may be, keeping his focus on his passion for music and entertainment. ■ J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 0

6/3/2020 3:08:58 PM

marketplace

Why online reviews are essential for every local business

By BETH DEVINE

Think about it . . . when was the last time you purchased a new product or service without an actual recommendation?

If you’re like most people, it’s probably been a while. Research shows that 97% of customers read online reviews before making a purchase. More importantly, more than half of these people trust businesses with a 4-star rating or better.

All of this leads us to a common fact . . .

Your website is no longer your first impression in 2020. Your reviews are. Welcome to the review culture and a new digital doorway.

Introducing You to

(GMB)

If you are familiar with Google My Business (GMB), you probably know that it is one of the best ways to gain local traffic (customers). And if you still haven’t set up your GMB profile, you’re missing out on a lot of advantages.

Basically, GMB is a platform that not only positions your local business closer to nearby and local traffic — it also displays all of your core functions of your company. You can literally publish photos of your products/services, post offers and discounts, schedule appointments, and let potential customers see your reviews and why they should hire you.

GMB is really a micro website. If you don’t have any online reviews, it’s time to get started.

There are three main reasons why Google My Business is vital to your business, including these facts:

46% of all Google searches are for local offers

93% of all local searches feature GMB listings

68% of all consumers contact a business directly from the search results However, in order to make your business visible and approachable by the online audience, you must acquire reviews and assure everyone that your products or services are worth it. Speaking of which, let’s talk more about reviews and the important influence factors behind them.

• • •

Key Review Factors That Influence Buying Decisions It’s absolutely true that reviews affect search engine rankings. According to research, businesses with more reviews are two times more likely to rank in the top three results. This is important because when users search with “near me” or “nearby” phrases, Google displays the top three local listings and their reviews as a priority.

So, in times when 90% of consumers used the Internet to find a local business in the last year and more than 82% of them read reviews for local businesses, it’s time to think about reinventing your marketing strategy and giving reviews a broader focus.

And the best part?

The quality and quantity of your reviews on Google does affect your rankings. In fact, this is one of the most important ranking factors for your SEO (search engine optimization) strategy.

In other words, the more (and better) reviews you have, the more your business will rank high whenever related keywords are searched in your local area.

Start Getting More Online Reviews If you are wondering how to do this entire review thing, there are two options: you start figuring things out or leave it up to the professionals.

The first option includes plenty of research, skill acquisition and consistency. In a nutshell, you need to set up a GMB listing (if you don’t have one), make leaving reviews easy, optimize your GMB profile and start focusing on increasing your reviews.

The second option, is to engage the services of a top-tier digital marketing agency to assist you with leveling up your online reputation and your brand.

— Beth Devine is one of the most sought-after marketing experts in the Central Valley. She is the founder and principal of Devine Solutions Group, an award-winning digital marketing and business development agency headquartered in Tracy. Connect with Beth by either calling 833-933-8463 or email her at beth@devinesolutionsgroup.com.

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