Issuu

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

ISSUE 77

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

“WE’VE GOT THE 209 COVERED.”

LOMA BREWING BRINGS CRAFT BEER TO THE 209

DIY

TALES FROM

THE PENNY BLOODS $4.95US

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HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

TERESA HAMMOND’S

BRAVE BATTLE

9/27/2026 11:09:51 AM

$4 MILLION INVENTORY t n e v E s e l a S y Jewelr

November November 11 11 10:00 10:00 am am -- 6:00 6:00 pm pm 1600 McHenry Ave Ste F Modesto, CA 95350 209 MAG 77-2026JON.indd 2

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2027 National Enrollment Guide

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Get the care you deserve at kp.org/choosekp 209 MAG 77-2026JON.indd 3

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2026 is almost coming to a close, and we’re putting a call out to share photos of your biggest moments in 2026. Whether it’s a great accomplishment, an epic fail, a new family member, or a photo with a loved one whom you’ve lost this year, show us YOUR 2026, and your pic could appear in the next 209 Magazine!

P H O T O S

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M U S T

B E

S U B M I T T E D

O C T O B E R

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E L B A E V A R C

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HONORING OUR MILITARY WITH A SPECIAL OFFER ON d VETERAN’S DAY NOV 11 d

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FEATURES The perfect partnership of beer and baseball has come to the 209. Two-time World Series champion and three-time All-Star with the Boston Red Sox Kevin Youkilis has opened Loma Brewing Company in Manteca with the help of former pitcher Dan Reineke. Loma Brewing Company, named for the Loma Prieta Mountain peak in Santa Cruz where Reineke lives and near the original brewery and taproom in Los Gatos, aims to bring a Bay Area twist to the San Joaquin Valley.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

ISSUE 77

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

“WE’VE GOT THE 209 COVERED.”

LOMA BREWING BRINGS CRAFT BEER TO THE 209

LOMA

BREWING BRINGS CRAFT BEER TO THE 209

DIY

TALES FROM

THE PENNY BLOODS $4.95US

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

TERESA HAMMOND’S

BRAVE BATTLE

On The Cover: Kevin Youkilis on the left, Dan Reineke on the right. Photo courtesy of: Jane Media Services

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OC TOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

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O C TOB ER/NOV EM B ER 2026 – ISSU E 77

DEPARTMENTS IN THE KNOW 10 14 16 22 26

NAVIGATOR

Community Events Calendar Lights of Remembrance Dell’Osso Family Farm Holiday Craft Fairs Halloween Happenings

ARTS&CULTURE 30

Tales from the Penny Bloods

FLAVORS 32 34

Rippey Family Vineyards The Modesto Silos

FULL OF LIFE 42 44

Fitness and Beyond Remembering Teresa

46 Kennedy Meadows Resort & Pack Station

THE GREAT OUTDOORS 48 Binge-worthy Adventure Films

A PLACE CALLED HOME 52 54

MARKETPLACE

56 Fresh Scents of Oliva Dawn 58 DIY Holiday Gift Ideas

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Fall Tree Planting Dream Home

OC TOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

9/27/2026 11:10:13 AM

Vol. 13 No. 77

October/ November 2026

$4.95

PUBLISHER/OWNER Hank Vander Veen Kelly Vander Veen

EDITOR Kristina Hacker

MANAGING EDITOR Sabra Stafford

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Harold L. George

WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Christopher Correa Renee Edwards Marg Jackson Matt Johanson Kristi Mayfield Alex Morales Claudia Newcorn Dennis Wyatt

ADVERTISING & PARTNERSHIPS Beth Flanagan Melody Wann Charles Webber

DIGITAL FULFILLMENT COORDINATOR Rich Matheson

SCAN this to advertise in 209 Magazine or call Manteca • (209) 249-3500 • Newman • (209) 243-8170 Oakdale • (209) 847-3021 • Turlock • (209) 634-9141 209 Magazine is published 6 times a year

209 Magazine is a product of

1215 W. Center Street, Ste 203 • Manteca, CA 95337 Comments & Questions: sstafford@209magazine.com ©Copyright 2026. 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.

PUBLISHER’S LETTER Welcome back to another great edition of the 209 Magazine. As we get into the swing of fall, we welcome holidays of all types, along with family gatherings, and of course, abundances of feasts. This issue of the 209 Magazine features places to celebrate everything autumn has to offer, while preparing for the holiday season. It’s a sad season this year for the staff of 209 Magazine. Longtime writer Teresa Hammond lost her battle with cancer on Aug. 8, 2026. Known for many things, from being a marathon runner to a yoga instructor, Teresa also loved writing her long-running “Fitness and Beyond” column. She also shared her six-year battle with breast cancer openly and honestly. We invite you to read a tribute story to Teresa’s life and remember her fondly. Other features in this issue include: — Hospice of San Joaquin Tree of Lights: This yearly tradition allows anyone to make a memorial or honorary light dedication to recognize individuals who have significantly impacted their lives. A series of lighting ceremonies will take place across eight different cities throughout San Joaquin County. — Dell’Osso Family Farm: For three decades, Dell’Osso Farm in Lathrop turns into a fall playground with a corn maze, haunted house and, of course, a pumpkin patch. The Dell’Osso Family Farm October event has grown into one of the most popular Halloween season destinations in the nation, with approximately 250,000 people visiting the site each October. The event still remains a family operation, with the entire Dell’Osso family participating. — Oliva Dawn: Originally a home-based business, Angela Cornilsen has taken her Oliva Dawn Candle Co. to new heights in recent years. Moving from her home to a rented room in another local business, then to her own shop on Escalon’s Main Street and, now, settling in to her location at 2235 Jackson Avenue, Unit A in Escalon, the business owner is happiest when making connections. Workshops allow patrons to make their own candle, cologne or perfume, though there are also ready-made products for those that just want to do a little shopping. — DIY holiday gift ideas: Making your own holiday presents is a wonderful way to give something personal while saving money. Homemade Christmas gifts can be grouped into easy, practical categories depending on whether you like to bake, craft, or keep things incredibly simple. These are just a few of the stories in this issue of 209 Magazine. Thank you for taking the time to read 209 Magazine. We welcome your comments, calendar events, and stories. We hope you will support the businesses and charities that have chosen to partner with us. We appreciate them and look forward to being the most relevant magazine in your home, a place called 209.

Hank Vander Veen Publisher/Owner hvanderveen@209magazine.com

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The success of this year’s 209 Heart & Stroke Walk was made possible by leaders like you. Thank you for your dedication and support.

Executives with Heart Changemakers

Dental Implants Gum Grafts Non-invasive Laser Gum Surgery

Brett Diede, Diede Construction | Melissa Flores, Collins Electrical Co., Inc. | Julie Hall, USI Insurance Services | Kathy Hart, Heart Association Board of Directors | Scott Knight Sutter Tracy Community Hospital | Paul Lanning, HealthForce Partners California | Brooke McCollough, Adventist Health Lodi Memorial | Theresa Roland, Oak Valley Community Bank | Cale Sherman, Teichert Construction

Executives with Heart Members Maria Ayala, Universal Service Recycling | Tina Burch, Central Valley Doctors Health System | Rick Castro, San Joaquin General Hospital | Rachel DeBord, San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors | Brett Diede, Diede Construction | Melissa Flores, Collins Electrical Co., Inc.| Brian Gini, Collins Electrical Co., Inc. | Julie Hall | Shannon Hurles | Scott Knight, Sutter Tracy Community Hospital | Paul Lanning, HealthForce Partners California | Becky Lee, FinDec | Brooke McCollough, Adventist Health Lodi Memorial | Adrienne McIntyre, Clinical Institute Women & Children's, Providence | Brandon Nan, Golden Bear Physical Therapy | Norma Pamplona, Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California | Theresa Roland, Oak Valley Community Bank | Cale Sherman, Teichert Construction | Alisa White, Edwards Construction

1065 Colorado Ave Suite 2 • Turlock, CA 95380

www.turlockperio.com

209-632-5744

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OC TOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

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IN THE KNOW

COMMUNITY EVENTS OCT

2026

SUTTER CREEK WINE WALK

Fifteen Amador County wineries will come to town and be hosted in 15 businesses of Sutter Creek at the annual Sutter Creek Wine Walk from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 along Main Street in Sutter Creek. Sample and enjoy the wines of: Andis, Cooper, D’Agostini, Dillian, Di Stasio, Drytown Cellars, Helwig, Iron Hub, Jeff Runquist, Krissie, Mellowood, MFV, Rancho Victoria, Rombauer, Vino Tahoe and Wine Tree Farm. For more information and tickets, visit: suttercreek.org/eventssutter-creek-wine-walk

OCT

2026

LODI COMIC CON

The family-friendly Lodi Comic Con returns to the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 24 and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 25. The event will boast over 40,000 square feet with 200 booths and tables of your favorite characters. Check out the event’s Facebook page for more details and the exciting list of panel guests. A portion of the proceeds from the Lodi Comic Con will benefit Child Abuse Prevention Council of San Joaquin County and the Lodi Boys and Girls Club. For more information, visit: lodicomiccon.com

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OCT

2026

MCHENRY MANSION SPOOKTACULAR

The City of Modesto’s McHenry Mansion and the Stanislaus County Library will host a special Halloween event from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at 906 15th St., Modesto. Enjoy spooky story times, activities and, the holiday favorite — trickor-treating. This is a free event, open to children ages 2-17 and their families. Candy, crafts and giveaway s available while supplies last. For more information, visit: mchenrymansion.org/ events

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OCT

2026

NATIONAL PARKS FREE DAY

There will be free admission to Yosemite National Park all day Oct. 27 and Nov. 11. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area and much more. Plan your trip at: nps.gov/yose/ index.htm

NOV

STANISLAUS RIVER SALMON FESTIVAL

The 16th Annual Stanislaus River Salmon Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Knights Ferry Recreation Area, 17968 Covered Bridge Rd., Oakdale. This festival welcomed more than 6,000 attendees last year to celebrate the region’s annual salmon run. For more information, visit: facebook. com/SRSFest/

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2026

NOV

2026

HMONG NEW YEAR

The Stockton Hmong New Year celebration will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 14 and 15 at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton. Enjoy the festivity of cultural performances, music, a sport tournament, merchant and food vendors, information booths and more. General admission is $7 per person, seniors 65+ and children under 5 years old are free. Parking is $10 per vehicle. For more information, visit: lfcempowerment.weebly. com

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IN THE KNOW

DEC

2026

MODEL TRAIN SHOW

The San Joaquin Valley Toy Train Operators will host this year’s Model Train Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6 at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock. This year the organizers are adding toy vendors in addition to the normal extensive range of railroad and model railroad vendors. For more information, visit: sjvttoinc.com

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OC TOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

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209 MAG 77-2026JON.indd 13

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IN THE KNOW

Lights of Remembrance T

he Annual Hospice of San Joaquin Tree of Lights will return this holiday season, offering community members a meaningful way to honor and remember loved ones while supporting essential end-of-life care. The yearly tradition allows anyone to make a memorial or honorary light dedication to recognize individuals who have significantly impacted their lives. Dedicated memory boards at each site will display the names of those recognized by the illuminated trees. Donations for the event open in October and continue through the end of the year. All contributions directly fund Hospice of San Joaquin’s specialized programs and services for terminally ill patients and their families.

2026 Lighting Ceremony Schedule A series of unique lighting ceremonies will take place across eight different cities throughout San Joaquin County. Organized in partnership with local organizations, these gatherings provide an opportunity for communities to come together, reflect, and celebrate life. Stockton: Nov. 24 at 5:30 PM | San Joaquin Delta College Ripon: Nov. 30 at 6:00 PM | Veteran’s Memorial Wall Escalon: Dec. 1 at 5:30 PM | Main St. Park Manteca: Dec. 1 at 5:30 PM | Doctors Hospital of Manteca Lodi: Dec. 3 at 5:30 PM | City Hall Rio Vista: Dec. 5 at 5:30 PM | Main Street Lockeford: Dec. 5 at 5:30 PM | Hwy 88 & E. Jack Tone Rd. Tracy: Dec. 8 at 5:30 PM | Tracy City Hall For more information regarding dedications, donation options, or ceremony details, community members can call (209) 957-3888 or visit the official Hospice of San Joaquin Events Page. ●

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OC TOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

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Manteca - Doctors Hospital - December 1st at 5:30pm Escalon - Main Street Park - December 1st at 5:30pm Lodi - City Hall - December 3rd at 5:30pm Lockeford - Hwy 88 & E. Jack Tone Rd. - December 5th at 5:30pm Rio Vista - City Hall - December 5th at 5:30pm Tracy - City Hall - December 8th at 5:30pm

Hospice of San Joaquin warmly invites you to honor the memory of your loved one. Light up a light in their name and join us at one of our ceremonies to celebrate their life and legacy. Visit hospicesj.org/events/tree-of-lights to purchase your light.

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IN THE KNOW

Crop ’Til You Drop 209MAGAZINE.COM

IN THE KNOW - Del Osso.indd 16

Dell’Osso Family Farm continues holiday tradition By DENNIS WYATT

OC TOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

9/28/2026 5:58:59 AM

on Dell’Osso grew up on the family farm. As a kid when he wasn’t doing chores or helping his dad Rudy, he would invite his friends “from the city” to partake in activities Tom Sawyer could appreciate. It was back in the early 1960s. There was no video games or smartphones. TV was a choice of three channels — assuming the antenna could pick them up without a lot of snow. So, when his friends from Tracy dropped by the family farm along the banks of the San Joaquin River in Lathrop, outdoor fun ruled the day with a dash of imagination and a lot of improvision. Dirty clod wars took place around the brick silos that are still standing a century after they were built by Ron’s grandfather Alfredo who, along with his two brothers from Italy, made their way to Lathrop to start farming with asparagus serving as their first crop. Ron as a kid would climb trees with his friends who tried to emulate Tarzan as only 10 year-old boys can do, went frogging, captured crawdads, and let their imaginations run wild. He followed in his father’s footsteps and still farms today. Ron is a successful farmer with a diverse crop line-up. That said, the most valuable harvest the family farm land provides today is the magic that comes with having simple fun that kids are robbed off today by the onslaught of technology. And he delivers — along with his wife Susan — memoires by the bushel. The low-tech fun started Oct. 2 — and runs daily throughout Halloween — when the gates open for the 30th annual Dell’Osso Pumpkin Maze. It’s much more than a maze that covers 15 acres and this year has an American 250 layout Ron, the quintessential big kid even though he is much closer to 70 than 7, along with Susan has created the low-tech antidote to today’s plugged in world One of his favorite creations are the pumpkin blasters that visitors can load with the perfect fruit for a weapon — apples — that are shot bazooka style at 90 mph plus toward style objects crying out to be dinged. What kind of farmers comes up with an idea like that? Try one whose Mom ignored numerous hints to get him a plastic gun for Christmas. It was back when kids circled items in bulky JC Penney catalogues instead of browsing the Internet. One wonders how things might have turned out if his mother

gave in and bought Ron that toy gun. Ron might have had to rely less on his imagination to have fun as a kid and could have reacted to the idea of planting a maze and selling tickets so city folks could out and walk around his farm much like his farming colleagues did that thought he had lost his mind. The annual Dell’Osso Family Farm Pumpkin Maze that grew from his imagination 30 years ago is nestled between Interstate 5, the San Joaquin River, and River Islands at Lathrop . With average attendance each October exceeding 150,000, it is considered California’s largest ag attraction that isn’t the state fair or a county fair. Susan Dell’Osso noted they get people every year who’ve made it a family tradition to keep coming back. They even have those that came out to the farm as children that are now bringing their kids. The corn maze and other attractions are on the same farmland that Ron — who is now 70 years old — grew up on as a boy. As Dell’Osso was preparing for the first month-long corn maze with several other attractions in 1997, his fellow farmers thought he was crazy. They doubted anyone would pay to go out to a farm. Now that Dell’Osso Farm has soared past 4 million visitors and employs 450 people each season, no one is calling Dell’Osso crazy.

“I wanted a machine gun. I got a coat.”

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Blasters idea inspired by Ron Dell’Osso’s ‘worst’ Christmas ever And while most other attractions such as the corn maze, railroad, tire pyramid climbing, and haunted house to name a few were inspired by his favorite childhood memories, there is one

OC TOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

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IN THE KNOW

“Now that Dell’Osso Farm has soared past 4 million visitors… no one is calling Dell’Osso crazy.”

that wasn’t. The “apple” blasters that resemble bazookas are the result of a childhood disappointment. His mom used JC Penney catalogues for her children to drop “hints” at what they might like to see under the Christmas tree each year. Typically, they circled six apiece and their mom would pick one. As a 7 year-old, Ron circled only one item that he really, really wanted: A plastic machine gun that shot off plastic bullets while resting on a tri-pod. Ron was more than crestfallen when he opened his present on Christmas morning and discovered his mother had gotten him a coat instead. “It wasn’t that she was against guns,” Ron Dell’Osso recalled in an interview. “We had guns and my dad

would take us hunting. It’s just that she didn’t think a young boy needed a make believe machine gun.” Dell’Osso never forgot about the gift he never received. Then he saw a pumpkin chucking competition carried on TV. That’s where participants used various devices to hurl regular sized pumpkins through the air. But it had one drawback. People could watch but they couldn’t participate as they were forced to stay far away behind rope. He thought there had to be a way people could fire off pumpkins for fun and do so safely. So, after the fourth season of running the corn maze, Dell’Osso decided to head out to his shop to try his hand at fashioning a “machine gun” that could shoot pumpkins. The first

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IN THE KNOW - Del Osso.indd 18

prototype was fashioned out of PVC pipe. After four days he finally got one that used air pressure to fire a pumpkin. It was a dud. The pumpkins only went four to 10 feet. He gave up — but just for about a week. Dell’Osso went back to the shop and continued tinkering. Then they hit pay dirt on the seventh prototype. Since they no longer had pumpkins, they went to Costco and got a few cases of oranges. Little did he know oranges due to being circular orbs and being basically the same size due to how they were packed and sorted were the perfect ammo. From his shop near the two landmark brick silos at Dell’Osso Farms, they watched as the oranges were propelled 400 plus feet with no problem at all. Fine tuning it allowed then to send an orange from the silos clear across nearby Interstate 5. He enlisted the help of Butch (a gentleman who has since passed away) to fabricate the devices out of sheet metal and other parts. The destructive power of what are flying apples is evidenced by the targets that guests shoot at. Each year they bring in vehicles that don’t run but otherwise are in near perfect condition in terms of the body. On the first day of each season, the windows

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go first. Then it’s open season on the rest of the body. By the time Oct. 31 rolls around it is next to impossible to determine what make and model may of the vehicles are given they are shot up that much. Ron switched to apples a few years ago as they are closer to a true cannon ball shape that makes them the perfect ammo. The latest “attractions” include family friendly support facilities such as 40-stall bathroom that was installed eliminating the use of porta-potties save for several that are placed in the parking lot There is also a massive pumpkin patch — arguably the largest in the area — where kids of all ages search for the perfect pumpkin.

In addition to the food court, there is a country store with fresh baked goods such as pies and apple spice doughnuts, as well as fudge, cookies, and other treats. And to top off the perfect date night there’s Cider Hill. It features craft beers, hard cider and homemade pizza. Most of the 20 pus attractions are included with admission. The maze that runs this year daily from Oct. 2-Oct.

31 opens at noon Mondays through Fridays and at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The last admission is 7 p.m. nightly while attractions start closing at 8 p.m. Admission is $24.95 Monday through Thursday, $29.95 Friday, and $34.95 on Saturday as well as Sunday. Children 2 and under are free. Season passes are $85. Parking is free. For more information go to pumpkinmaze.com. ● scan to learn more

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OC TOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

9/28/2026 5:59:03 AM

Fantozzi Farms 24th Annual

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209-690-7739

FOR HOURS OR MORE INFORMATION CALL OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE!

209 MAG 77-2026JON.indd 20

9/27/2026 11:10:26 AM

All your favorite flavors of a cinnamon roll in these easy, almond buttery, and chewy cinnamon roll blondies! This chewy cinnamon roll blondies recipe is the only one you’ll ever need!

Try Our s e i d n o l B l l o R n o Cinnam Pantone 374 C

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g: For the Icin Sugar tract 1/4 cup Powdered 2 tsp Vanilla Ex 1/2 tsp Salt Splash of Milk lla irl: Splash of Vani Cinnamon Sw gar rchased t Su ducts can be pu nu pro co Co ese Th sp * tb 2 store and r intte er, sp Bu Ja d & Salte at Stewart 2 tbsp Melted online. 1 tsp Cinnamon Pinch of Salt

Ingredients: Cheese 1 cup Cottage tter* Bu d on m 1/2 cup Al 2 Eggs Sugar 2/3 cup Coconut d Flour* on m Al 1 ps cu 1 /4 wder Po ng ki 1 tsp Ba ent paper. sh with parchm it in a : ns io 8x8 baking di ct then combine a r, ne so Li es Instru F. oc s pr ee in a food 350 degr

to ooth 1. Preheat oven til competely sm d vanilla. ttage cheese un conut sugar an co co . Batter will be e g, th eg d r, en tte Bl bu 2. d just combined on til alm un e ix th m th d wi an lt wl sa bo d m an iu med ng powder ond flour, baki 3. Add the alm er the . py m and pour it ov ared pan. slightly lu mon and salt, into your prep na ly cin en r, ev tte r bu tte ba elted 4. Spread the conut sugar, m ft. Do not ut. wl, mix the co just slightly so irl it througho sw 5. In a small bo ly nt ge to d the center is ife an kn t a se e e us ar d s an ge batter until the ed -32 minutes, or 6. Bake for 28 ly. te ple m co ol co over bake. Let ce and enjoy!. sli p, to e th over 7. Drizzle icing

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1-877-ALMOND-8 | stewartandjasper.com 209 MAG 77-2026JON.indd 21

9/27/2026 11:10:27 AM

IN THE KNOW

‘Tis the season for holiday craft fairs By KRISTINA HACKER

Fall Market

here is no better time of year to find unique, handmade craft items than the fall. From wooden pumpkin displays to Christmas wreaths and one-of-a-kind gift items for the holidays, local fairs and markets abound around the region. Here are just a few scheduled for the upcoming months.

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Dust Bowl Brewing Co. and The Market will host its 2nd annual Fall Market from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 18 at 3000 Fulkerth Rd., Turlock. This event features local makers, warm drinks, seasonal fall brews, really good food and live music filling the afternoon.

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Holiday Market The annual Holiday Market will return to the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 7. The market will feature a variety of vendors, kids crafts, complimentary mimosas and a photo op with Santa. Entry to the market is free. The fairgrounds are located at 900 N. Broadway, Turlock.

Hilmar Holiday Expo : The 12th annual Hilmar Holiday Expo will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Hilmar Grange Hall, 8188 Lander Ave. in Hilmar. Dozens of vendors will offer hand-made items and collectibles at this popular holiday craft fair. Food will also be available for sale.

Sonora Christmas Artisan Fair The 4th annual Sonora Christmas Artisan Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 27 and 28 at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds, 220 Southgate Dr., Sonora. The fair will feature over 130 artisan and food vendors, live music, festive performances, Santa visits, Santa’s Workshop, Gingerbread Lane, Cocoa Cottage, and the Top Shelf Elf Lounge. For more information, visit: bit.ly/3Tc15te

Fall Boutique The 43rd annual Fall Boutique will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 23 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Stockton Ballroom, 9650 Thornton Rd., Stockton. This much-loved boutique features over 50 talented vendors offering fall and holiday decor and amazing gift items. For more information, call (209) 464-3924.

Posh Holiday Market The Posh Holiday Market is back for another festive shopping experience in Downtown Modesto from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at The Century & Nine3One, 927 and 931 10th St., Modesto. This event features a curated holiday market with local small businesses, shopping, photo booth moments, and a beautiful indoor atmosphere designed for a fun girls’ day out. The first 100 ladies will receive a free Posh Holiday Market tote bag filled with some amazing goodies.

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IN THE KNOW

HALLOWEEN Happenings in the 209 he spooky season is upon us and there are a number of fun activities planned around the 209 for families and those looking for adults-only celebrations. Below are just a few of the Halloween happenings scheduled for the month of October.

209 Haunts: Linden Through Oct. 31.

18900 E. Grace Street, Linden An immersive, 18-room walkthrough attraction built inside one of Linden’s oldest buildings. It features Hollywood-quality sets, authentic haunted artifacts from Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum, and his infamous ghost-hunting hearse parked outside. Admission: $20 ($5 for daytime kids attraction)

The Gathering on Murphys Main Street

Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Main Stree t, Murphys Main Street transforms into a magical gathering for witches, warlocks, and wizards. Enjoy costume contests, live music at various spots, tarot readings, and street performers, and specialized vendors.

Haunted Hayride at Jacob Myers Park Oct. 23 at 7 p.m.

23655 South Santa Fe Road, Riverbank Description: A spooky outdoor hayride experience packed with unexpected twists, turns, and jumpscares tailored for families and friends. Admission: $15 for adults, $10 for children (ages 4-12), and free for kids 3 and under. Tickets are first-come, first-served on the day of the event.

Admission: Free (shopping, food, and drinks available for purchase).

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CalPride Stanislaus Modesto Oct. 29 form 5 to 8 p.m.

CalPride Stanislaus, 111 Modesto Ave., Modesto An all-ages, inclusive Halloween celebration featuring decorated car trunks, safe trickor-treating, music, and dancing. The event highlights LGBTQIA+ and allied-owned local small businesses. Costumes are encouraged but not required.

Third Annual Haunted House Oct. 28 through Oct. 31, from 5 to 8 p.m. daily.

Mariposa Museum & History Center, 5119 Jessie St., Mariposa A family-friendly fright night featuring spooky thrills for all ages, co-hosted with local community organizations. Local food vendors are typically on-site during Halloween night. Proceeds support museum maintenance.

Admission: Free.

Beats & BBQ Halloween Bash Oct. 24 from 7 to 11 p.m.

Admission: Generally, $3 per person or $5 for two; children under 6 are free.

60 W. 26th St., Merced A Halloween party featuring food, music, and dancing. Come dressed in your best costume.

Costumes for a Cause: Haunted Mansion

Admission: $17.85 at Eventbrite.

Oct. 29 from 5 to 9 p.m.

Do the Crawl

2051 Geer Road, Turlock

Oct. 24 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Join Lifestyle Realty for the fifth annual Costumes for a Cause adults-only event, benefiting Jessica’s House. Step inside their Haunted Mansion for an unforgettable evening of Halloween thrills, spirited fun, and giving back to the community. Music, open bar, hors d’oeuvres. 21 and older only.

Downtown Modesto Get ready to embrace the spooky season and Do The Halloween Pub Crawl in DoMo. Pull out your spookiest costumes, grab your ghoulish friends, and prepare for a night of haunted fun. Crawl stops include 18Seventy Brewing Co., Rancho Fresco Mexican Grill, Churchkey, lo-fi, and The Boardroom (after party). Admission: $17.85 at Eventbrite or visit DoTheCrawl.com.

Admission: $50.

Senior Halloween Costume Party Oct. 30 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Ceres Community Center, 2701 4th St., Ceres A festive lunch and costume gathering tailored for older adults in Stanislaus County. Costumes or themed outfits are required to attend. At least one guest in the attending group should be 60 or older. Admission: Free.

Bites, Booze & Bloodsuckers Halloween Party Oct. 30. Party starts at 6 p.m., film screening at 7:30. State Theatre, 1307 J Street, Modesto. An 80s nostalgia vampire-themed party featuring retro music, drinks, light bites, and a costume contest. The pre-show social is followed by a big-screen presentation of the cult classic The Lost Boys. Admission: $50 (includes food, party access, and movie ticket).

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IN THE KNOW

Stevenot Winery Halloween Party Oct. 30 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Stevenot Winery, 2849 Batten Road, Vallecito.

Spookfest: Downtown Modesto

An adult Halloween celebration featuring wine, costumes, and festive seasonal fun.

Oct. 31 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Tenth Street Plaza, downtown Modesto.

Admission: $25.

Hailed as the largest 21-and-over open-air Halloween experience in the 209. Features an outdoor stage with state-of-the-art sound, lighting, a massive costume contest, and multiple cocktail bars. The DJ lineup includes Sergio Solis, DJ Lexy, and Lyonel and Luis Angelo.

HallowRave Modesto

Oct. 30 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sidelines Whiskeyjacks, Modesto.

Admission: Tickets scale from $15 to $25 depending on the purchase tier. Online tickets can be secured through PurplePass.

An outdoor Halloween rave event with full stage production, sound, lighting, and a costume contest. 21-older. Admission: $12.51 at Eventbrite.

City of Los Banos Halloween Fest Oct. 31 from 4 to 8:30 p.m.

Dia de los Muertos at Lakewood Memorial Park

AG Sports Complex, 700 N. Mercey Springs Road, Los Banos Hosted by the Parks and Recreation department, city’s annual signature event features a spooky maze, pumpkin painting, carnival games, crafts, a trunk-or-treat, costume contests, and a haunted bus.

Oct. 31 starting at 11 a.m. (Mass concludes at 4 p.m.)

Lakewood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 900 Santa Fe Ave., Hughson

Admission: Free.

An outdoor community event honoring tradition, memory, and family. Attendees are welcome to add photos of loved ones to a shared community altar. The afternoon includes local vendors and a closing Mass.

Boo Bash 18 at Modesto Ballroom

Admission: Free.

Saturday, Oct. 31. Doors open at 6 p.m.; concert starts at 8. California Ballroom, 432 Sixth St., Modesto

Halloween with the Community

A concert party featuring live R&B performances by legendary groups The Stylistics and Blue Magic alongside special guests. Includes a Halloween costume contest and multiple seating tier choices.

Oct. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. Marshall Lane, Merced

Babe’s BBQ Filipino Cuisine invite you to join them for an evening of spooky fun. Whether you’re into creepy decorations or tasty treats, there’s something for everyone. Children under 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Admission: Advance general admission tickets start at $60; table packages available. More Info: Eventbrite registration.

Admission: Free.

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ARTS & CULTURE

‘Tales from the Penny Bloods’ By KRISTINA HACKER

opular Victorian-era fiction is getting new life thanks to retired Stanislaus State professor of English Arnold Schmidt. Schmidt is the award-winning writer, director and producer of the audio drama serial “Tales from the Penny Bloods.” So, what exactly is a penny blood? Simply put, a penny blood is a periodical published in the early Victorian era, 1830 to 1900. According to Schmidt, the serial publications rose in popularity following the end of the tax on oil print in Britain, changes in technology making mass printing possible and widespread compulsory education that created a newly literate public eager for escape from the hard realities of daily life in Victorian England. “You’re getting this enormous group of young people and generally working class people who can read and who work really hard. They don’t want to read serious stuff. They want a break, so that’s the penny blood audience in the first part of the century,” said Schmidt. The stories in the penny bloods tend to the macabre and a little fantastical. One the most famous penny bloods is “The Sailor’s Gift,” which introduces the character of Sweeney Todd, the “demon barber of Fleet Street.”

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Schmidt and his Londonbased collaborator Julia Warren have been working with local actors, as well as international ones, to produce the audio serials (otherwise known as podcasts), which are available on multiple platforms. Schmidt produces the episodes at KCBP Community Radio out of Modesto. He started out dramatizing works by little-known British authors and little-known works by well-known authors, such as mummy stories by Arthur Conan Doyle (famous for creating Sherlock Holmes) and Bram Stoker, author of “Dracula.” After that, Schmidt and Warren started looking around for more inspiration and through an acquaintance with the Keats-Shelley Association,

got the idea of adapting penny bloods for a serial audio show. They recently won Best Storytelling Podcast at the Wolf (Wonders of Literature and Film) Media Festival for their production of

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“Wayfarers All,” adapted from stories by Amelia Edwards, a tale within a tale that follows the haunting experiences of travelers who have wandered off the beaten path...into the unknown. The serial shows are available on multiple platforms; aired on KCBP, available on Spotify, YouTube and the Tales from the Penny Bloods website. They have also been performed live on stage locally at the Denair Gaslight Theater and in London at the Omnibus Theatre. “The shows have been successful... the internet is strange because we’re on all these different platforms, and so it’s hard to get a sense of a total, like a gestalt of what’s going on. But when I look at analytics, we have listeners in in Manila, in obviously the UK, and here; some people in Canada, and then it’s weird, it’s odd stuff, like some people in Australia, some people in Indonesia, like Jakarta,” said Schmidt.

They don’t want to read serious stuff. They want a break, so that’s the penny blood audience in the first part of the century. Their newest episodes are perfect for those looking to embrace the spooky season – “Varney the Vampyre.” Set in the Italian mountains outside Florence, the tale follows noble characters and an evil villain. Murder, revenge, jealousy, romance all play their parts. An ambitious father, a dutiful daughter, and a loyal stranger also have their roles to play. As if he wasn’t busy enough, Schmidt is also the author of “Tale of Awe,” a horror and ghost story anthology book. The book traces the evolution of the modern ghost story from 18th-century Gothic Romanticism to early 20thcentury Edwardian horror. Schmidt, an educator at heart, has also created a “For Educators” section of the Tales from the Penny Bloods website. “I think the pedagogy thing is close to

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my heart,” he said. Teachers from junior high through university can find not only videos of different historical stories like “The Flying Dutchman” and “The Goblin Market,” but also the original stories, bibliographies and discussion questions. Schmidt and Warren are now working on releasing verticals, short videos that cut the story into bite-sized episodes (think TikTok). To find the latest episodes, visit: talesfromthepennybloods.org. ●

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FLAVORS

Rippey Family Vineyards

A Lodi Destination

PHOTOS BY LA_LUMIERE_ART_AND_PHOTOGRAPHY

estled quietly along Lodi’s historic wine routes sits Rippey Family Vineyards, a destination seamlessly blending deep historic roots, high-profile culture, and an unwavering commitment to craft. At the heart of the estate is Tasting Room Manager Rustin Haner, who curates a welcoming atmosphere for locals, wine aficionados, and curious travelers alike. “As one of the oldest wineries in Lodi, the Rippey family purchased it in 1991,” Haner explains. “A big part of our business is a custom crush facility. We provide a service where a lot of wineries, small producers from Napa and Lodi, come and have their wine made.” The story of the estate is built directly into its surrounding architecture. Built inside an original 1903 structure right along the historic railroad line, the tasting room combines rustic craftsmanship with a modern, welcoming

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By RENEE EDWARDS

Our biggest challenge is that we’ve been around for a long time and we’re a hidden gem. environment. High ceilings, rich wood finishes, and sunlit tasting spaces give the building a warm, timeless feel that immediately puts visitors at ease. “The tasting room was built in 1903 by the railroad track,” says Haner. “There was a chute so they could load grapes right into

the winery.” Despite its deep heritage, remaining a secret is a friendly hurdle the team navigates daily. “Our biggest challenge is that we’ve been around for a long time and we’re a hidden gem,” Haner admits. “If you didn’t know we were here, you’d drive

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right past us. People are just finding out about us.” When visitors do arrive, they encounter a rare mix of fine winemaking and unpretentious hospitality. Surrounded by vineyards and open skies, the patio area provides a scenic backdrop for sampling small-batch Napa and Lodi wines. Rather than feeling rigid or formal, the property emphasizes a sense of relaxed refinement where guests can savor award-winning vintages, enjoy wine-infused treats, such as the wine infused chocolate sauce, or drop by for weekend specials. “Our wines come from Napa and Lodi small-batch production, it simply makes the wine taste better,” Haner notes. Beyond the glass, the vineyard offers a unique cultural footprint that bridges world-class wine with iconic music history. “E-40 produced an album here and Warren G did a concert out on the property,” Haner shares. “We’re also kid- and dog-friendly, which most wineries are not, so we’re very proud of that.” Rippey operates using grapes sourced from a strong network of regional partners alongside their own estate crops. Transforming those harvests into signature vintages requires dynamic patience and time. “From growing to bottling, it takes up to four years before full production, with aging anywhere from nine months to three years,” explains Haner. That careful dedication continuously pays off. “Our signature wines include The Crossing, our Napa selections, and our Grenache. Plus, our Cabernet Sauvignon recently won a Double Gold medal in the San Francisco Chronicle competition,” says Haner. For an unexpected pairing experience, the vineyard even offers a custom wine-infused chocolate sauce de-

signed to pair with their Reign wine. For Haner, winemaking is a living rhythm driven by the turn of the calendar and the community that gathers around it. “I’m passionate about this business because of the seasonal changes and the flow of the winemaking seasons,” Haner says. “It’s an old practice, but there are always new things happening. It’s a very social beverage just like coffee or tea.” By keeping their doors wide open to families, guests, and four-legged companions, the vineyard transforms what could be a simple tasting room into a vibrant gathering spot. “What makes a great winery experience beyond the wine is the staff,” Haner emphasizes. “The way they connect with our customers turns visitors into lifelong friends. We really want to be that ‘third space’ that becomes a regular part of people’s lives.” Summed up by Haner in three words as “casual, elegant, and unique,” Rippey Family Vineyards continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. Up next for the property? “We are starting Sunday Mimosa specials beginning Sunday,” Haner adds. Whether you’re stopping by for Double Gold Cabernets, hip-hop history, or a relaxed sunlit afternoon on the patio, or the occasional spin of a vinyl record player, Rustin Haner and the team are ready to welcome you into Lodi’s premier hidden gem. ●

IF YOU GO RIPPEY FAMILY VINEYARDS WHERE: 3750 Woodbridge Road East, Acampo HOURS: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday INFO: 209-368-2019 rippeyfamilyvineyards.com

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FLAVORS

Savor the Silos Modesto Silos offers history and modern ambiance By KRISTI MAYFIELD

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alking into The Modesto Silos, the soaring grain elevators seem to touch the clouds and the open seating and warm welcome make you feel right at home amongst this combination of industrial machinery and worldclass dining. Manager Nelida Vargas noted how the unique environment offers something for everyone. Vargas, who uses some of her own carefully curated recipes, believes that providing the absolute best for customers from amazing service to innovative and flavorful recipes is one of the reasons that people continue to gravitate to The Modesto Silos. From the Mi Abeulita Mocha, chocolate, coffee with savory spices to the Mi Amorcito Latte, filled with sweet and flavorful coffee served over ice, the drinks definitely do not disappoint. In addition to their extensive coffee and tea menu, they also offer breakfast items from Huevos Rancheros to Chorizo Breakfast Burritos. Aaron Valencia, founder & CEO of Royal Equity Group and owner and of The Modesto Silos, shared that the heart of his vision for this venue grew from his love of family, friends and community. Where some investors might have seen concrete cylinders and large, imposing mechanical equipment and second guessed their vision, Valencia, a philanthropist, entrepreneur and art collector, forged ahead with the project. Purchasing the property in 2018, Valencia began work on the renovations, incorporating most of the original pieces of the silos including grain elevators and large

“Stay humble, do the work, do it right and remember your responsibility.”

pipes throughout the venue into the current design. Valencia is no stranger to restaurants as he and his family owned several taquerias in Central California at one time. “My family has always worked hard and I learned that from them. Stay humble, do the work, do it right and remember your responsibility and that has served me well,” Valencia said when noting the influence of his family on his work ethic. He noted that his love and respect for family, friends and community have contributed to all aspects of his life and through his collaboration with many community partners in Stanislaus County, his vision finally became a reality. One of the unique aspects of The Modesto Silos is that it provides offerings for breakfast, lunch and dinner. One might start their day with a special coffee and breakfast burrito, enjoy some nachos or wings midday and end their day by enjoying a hand-crafted cocktail such as the Pistachio Espresso Martini or the Modesto Berries Silos along with one of their dinner entrees like the Blackened Salmon or the Chicken Piccata. Valencia has done something truly special in creating a venue that offers beverages from the

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Cafecito Menu in the morning along with various breakfast bites, curated cocktails along with lunch favorites in the afternoon all the way through to the delightful dinner offerings with various selections from their cocktail menu along with mocktails and everything in between, so there truly is something here for everyone at almost every hour of the day. Though the restaurant has been open for just over a month, the venue itself can hold almost 400 people and has already booked multiple events. One of the reasons that The Modesto Silos is such a popular place to host an event is that it features multiple areas to host parties with abundant outdoor seating, plentiful indoor tables and private patios for guests hosting special occasions such as holiday parties, retirement celebrations, wedding receptions and so forth. For more information on The Modesto Silos, visit: modestosilos. com. ●

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FEATURE

A brand-new ballgame of craft beer By CHRISTOPHER CORREA

I’ve always loved what happens when friends and family sit around a table with a few beers. — Kevin Youkilis

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ince 2016, Loma Brewing Company has been a staple of the Los Gatos community. When founder Kevin Youkilis and general manager Dan Reineke began exploring expansion four years later, the northwest corner of Milo Candini Drive and Daniels Street in west Manteca seemed to be a natural fit. Stationed right beside the ballfields of the Big League Dreams sports complex and down the road from Great Wolf Lodge within Manteca’s fast-growing Family Entertainment Zone (FEZ), the best friends and former University of Cincinnati teammates jumped at the opportunity to combine their two passions of craft beer and baseball. Youkilis, a two-time World Series champion and threetime All-Star over nine seasons with the Boston Red Sox,

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and Reineke, a former pitcher, were all smiles as the doors of the Loma Brewing Manteca taproom and brewery opened to the public on July 30, almost two years after breaking ground on the 36,500 square foot parcel. Loma Brewing Company, named for the Loma Prieta Mountain peak in Santa Cruz where Reineke lives and near the original brewery and taproom in Los Gatos, aims to bring a Bay Area twist to the San Joaquin Valley. Youkilis and Reineke each saw their sons play games at Big League Dreams, and wanted to offer others of all ages a space to make memories. “I’ve always loved what happens when friends and family sit around a table with a few beers,” Youkilis said. “Stories get better. Problems get smaller. Everyone gets funnier… I wanted to create a space where people can sit down, slow down, laugh, tell the same stories for the 100th time, and genuinely enjoy being around each other.” The new taproom, brewery and kitchen in Manteca operates out of a building reminiscent of shipping containers, with a large, covered outdoor patio space with a patch of turf grass installed for activities like wiffle ball and corn hole. Weekly events at the venue include nights for live music, trivia and Singo (a music-based bingo game), morning yoga and run club meet ups. “There are six baseball fields here, and Great Wolf Lodge is right down the road,” Reineke said. “Where the brewery is now, it was just a large plot of grass. We wanted to add to that and create a place for all families to enjoy.” The over 10,000-foot brewing facility at the new Manteca location brews and packages products for both company taprooms. Guests can choose from a wide variety of beers, spanning crisp lagers and pilsners to fruit-forward hazy and West Coast IPAs. The names of many items pay homage to Youkilis, his career and family. Youkilis’s first drink in Manteca was the Papa Bear Pilsner, created in honor of his late father, Mike, better known as “Papa

Youk,” which combines German malt and Saaz hops for an herbal aroma and crisp bitterness. “I wanted a moment to drink it all in,” Youkilis said. “Not just the beer, but everything this place has become. I know Papa Bear would have been proud to see this moment.” Youk s Kölsch, a German-style hybrid, is popular amongst customers with its delicate pear and appleblossom notes followed by biscuit, toasted grain and a crisp finish. Jew-Jitsu, a nod to Youkilis’ Jewish heritage, is the brand’s core IPA, offering bursts of citrus and mixed

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Stories get better. Problems get smaller. Everyone gets funnier… — Kevin Youkilis

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FEATURE

berry with a thick, juicy body and low bitterness. El Jefé is a classic Hefeweizen with notes of banana and clove, a soft bready finish. Appeasement, a classic IPA brewed with El Dorado and Mosaic hops, balances berry, pear, stone fruit and candy notes, balanced pine and earth. Pillow Party offers a silky, creamy take on the hazy IPA brewed with oats, Idaho 7 and Cashmere hops with papaya, melon and tangerine. Eternal Enigma is a New Zealand IPA brewed with Nelson Sauvin and Enigma hops with notes of white grape, passionfruit, citrus and dank diesel. Hop Holistics is a smooth, easydrinking hazy pale with lime zest, orange marmalade, mango and papaya. Loma Vida is a crisp Mexican lager brewed with a hint of lime and designed for warm-weather drinking. One of Loma’s most popular seasonal brews is the Greek God of Hops, a double IPA that is branded after Youkilis’ player nickname of being the “Greek God of Walks” for his phenomenal plate discipline — He drew 539 career walks over his 10-year big league career with the Red Sox, Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees. Behind Loma’s beer program is brewmaster Justin Peck, who packs nearly two decades of brewing experience to Manteca. A Santa Cruz native and UC Davis graduate, he studied mechanical and aeronautical engineering before deciding he wanted a career that allowed him to create something more tangible and meaning-

I wanted to create a space where people can sit down, slow down, laugh, tell the same stories for the 100th time, and genuinely enjoy being around each other.” — Kevin Youkilis

ful. He and a college roommate would travel to Munich, Germany, to study brewing, launching a career that has included stops at California breweries such as North Coast Brewing Company, Drake’s Brewing Company and Four Point Brewing Company before he joined Loma in Los Gatos just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. At Loma, Peck aims to showcase a wide range of beer rather than specialize in a single style. While IPAs remain an important part of

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the lineup, Manteca’s hot summers make lighter options such as the Kölsch, Mexican lager and hefeweizen particularly well suited for the new location. “With this new location, there are so many new and amazing people that we get to meet. We’re just excited to blend into this new community,” Peck said. “We had been staples in the Los Gatos community for a long time and we’re excited to build something similar right here.”

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Loma’s goal is to produce roughly 1,500 barrels in Manteca this year, with the facility capable of eventually producing substantially more as operations expand. Peck also plans to continue to experiment with new flavors to bring to the region. “We’re going to be coming out with more and more beers, more and more styles,” said Peck. “I’d tell people to just hold tight because there’s going to be a lot more cool things coming down the line.” Loma Brewing is also offering a wide-ranging food menu, with operations led by executive chef and Manteca native Joseph Herrera, who shares similar enthusiasm and takes pride in the fact that everything on the menu is made from scratch using fresh ingredients. Herrera has worked in the restaurant industry for over a decade,

though his culinary background began much earlier, cooking alongside his father at home. Family gatherings centered around food, helping Herrera develop an appreciation for cooking as a way to bring people together. “I grew up making all kinds of food with my Hispanic background on my dad’s side and with my Italian background on my mom’s side,” Herrera said. “I love all kinds of food. I try not to limit myself in any one style. I want to use all the techniques I learned, from being able to do fusion stuff to making dishes that everyone kind of can jump on board with.” Much of the menu carries over successful dishes from Los Gatos, while the Manteca team is also developing items of its own. Among Herrera’s Manteca ad-

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ditions are shrimp tacos, which he said have quickly generated positive feedback from customers. Other menu highlights include the Roadhouse burger, steak tacos and Loma saltado, a longtime Loma dish inspired by the traditional Peruvian lomo saltado. The steak tacos take an unusual approach, arriving largely deconstructed so diners can choose their preferred number of toppings like onion, cilantro and jalapeño. “We have a phenomenal team,” said Reineke. “This has been a long time coming, and we’re proud to finally be able to serve the people here.” Loma Brewing Company’s new brewery and taproom in Manteca is located at 1181 Milo Candini Drive. It is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday. ●

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9/28/2026 5:46:45 AM

FULL OF LIFE

We often don’t appreciate peaks and valleys of living in California

Dennis Wyatt at Kearsarge Pass at 11,972 feet that serves as an entrance to Kings Canyon National Park.

By DENNIS WYATT

’ve answered that dozens upon dozens of time. And it never disappoints. California is a mountain paradise. Yes, Colorado has the Rockies. It’s impressive but it’s not varied. Inside the political lines that represent California’s boundaries is arguably the greatest smorgasbord of mountain ranges on the planet. The Sierra. The Cascades. The Coastal Range. Desert ranges such as the Sacramento, Funeral. Angus, and Panamint to name a few. The variety in California is breathtaking.

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Perhaps the starkest two examples can be found in Inyo County, roughly 60 miles apart. One is the 14,252-foot White Mountain summit you reach by hiking a path virtually devoid of trees but among the few there are bristlecone pines that are the oldest trees on earth in excess of 4,800 years. It’s part of the Great Basin. As such, to some it looks more like a desert that nature has pushed skyward. The other is Mt Whitney. It’s a 22-mile round trip hike that takes you above the tree line that marks the heavy forested eastern Sequoia National Park.

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From its 14,505-foot summit — the tallest mountain perch in the continental United States — you can scan the horizon for an endless wave of mountain peaks, many capped with snow in mid-July. We often don’t appreciate the peaks and valleys of living in California. That’s not a reference to Sacramento shenanigans and the high cost of living that comes along with nature’s peaks and valleys. Taking a hike among the state’s varied valleys and peaks can put things in perspective. There is a vastness in California you don’t really appreciate at 70 mph headed for Reno or Las Vegas casinos or taking the only high speed ground option you have to travel between Los Angeles and Northern California that’s better known as Interstate 5. The natural repertoire of trees, lakes, rock formations, bird and animal life, fauna and more that creates the concoction we call California isn’t replicated elsewhere. We have less coastline than Florida’s 1,800 miles. But those 1,264 miles we do have is anything but monotonous. It goes from sunny sandy beaches you’ll find in Florida to coastline you won’t — the primitive and rugged Big Sur to the forested and fog enshrouded rugged mountain coastline where the tallest trees on earth tower nearby. But as much as I love California’s offerings, the mountains are what call me. Trips to Death Valley aren’t to wander on the valley floor. Instead, it’s to explore canyons sans trails or trying to scramble up peaks and prominences. Likewise, heading west from the Northern San Joaquin Valley it isn’t the cool beaches of Santa Cruz or Stinson that tug at my heart.

“The mountains are calling and I must go.” — John Muir They are countless lakes and streams to take in, passes to crest at 11,000 feet or more, and endless views from peaks and prominences devoid of signs of civilization as far as you can see even with the aid of binoculars. Every hike — even if it is to a place I’ve been before — I learn something new about the home we call California. But perhaps even more important, I always learn something new about myself. And it goes beyond the fact 100 rated sun protecting factor, 100 percent DEET, and sweating on a 90-degree day while ascending a pass can be an interesting combination. This may sound a bit wacky, but I when I do five back-to-back day hikes in the eastern Sierra I push myself. It’s my idea of a perfect vacation. You tire yourself out every day, rest, recover, and go at it the next day. It’s a physical and mental workout you can’t replicate in a gym. And by mental, I’m not talking psyching yourself up to tackle physical challenges although that does enter it. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to

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Moises Duarte on the 7,546foot summit of Half Dome overlooking the southern end of Yosemite Valley with Half Dome behind him.

It’s the seemingly endless opportunities for forays to various summits in the sub-ranges of the Coastal Mountains with the go to area being the Diablos. But the biggest magnet for me is the eastern Sierra. It’s where the mountains rise sharply in short distances above the Great Basin.

harboring thoughts of turning back at some early point in a hike — whether it is a monotonous trek up a rock spewed alluvial fan to reach a desert canyon or a start of an eastern Sierra trek where you end up gaining 1,000 feet within the first mile or so of departing the trailhead. It’s also a way to listen to your self I’m taking mentality about the ability to spend six or eight hours taking in nature often times when you only come across a few other people — or if you’re lucky, no one else all day long. Do not misunderstand. Encountering others hiking with fleeting exchanges or engaging in short conversations before continuing on your separate ways can be rewarding. It’s the ability to let your mind go into deeper thought as you glance across an alpine lake while stretched out on a boulder, take in a Sierra backcountry panorama as you crest a pass, or soak up a slow 360-degree view of what is before you atop a peak. You come to understand the day-to-day valley and peaks of life — the struggles and rewards — are worth the effort. It’s no different than hiking 8 to 10 miles a day going up 2,000 to 3,000 feet and coming back down and then doing it all other again the next day. To savor the little joys of life, it takes a bit of work. It can wear you down but once you are able to reach your goal and enjoy the rewards it makes it easier to get up the next day and hit the trail again. ●

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9/27/2026 11:17:07 AM

FULL OF LIFE

Waging war on cancer

Teresa ammond’s H

brave battle By MARG JACKSON

or nearly 25 years, I had the good fortune to work with Teresa Hammond and, more than that, consider her my friend. Known for many things, from being a marathon runner to a yoga instructor, Teresa also loved writing her long-running “Fitness and Beyond” column that she originated for 209 Magazine. Some readers may also remember that she shared her battle with breast cancer through these pages, openly and honestly. It is a battle she ultimately lost after fighting the disease for more than six years. Teresa passed at home on Aug. 8, 2026. She had received her initial diagnosis of Stage 3, triple negative breast cancer in April of 2020. I remember vividly getting the news. Friend and co-worker Michelle Kendig and I were together in my office at the old Oakdale Leader office on South Third Avenue. Teresa had called Michelle and asked her to include me in the

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conversation. At that point, I was Teresa’s editor or – as she always referred to me – “Boss.” Michelle came into my office, closed the door and put Teresa on speaker phone. “So, it’s cancer.” She shared details about the diagnosis, the type of cancer, the outlook, the treatment plan … and the fact that it wasn’t something she was going to let stop her. After we hung up, Michelle and I hugged and shed some tears together. It just wasn’t fair. But cancer cares nothing about being fair. That, we all learned quickly.

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ained. Through it all, a couple of things rem t First, Teresa’s faith, and her belief tha things happen for a reason. Second, her willingness to share her journey as a way , of educating, and often inspiring, others e other whether they were facing cancer or som life-changing circumstance. Just as Teresa was getting that news, the world was shutting down amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Teresa was trying to navigate the beginning stages of her cancer battle while keeping her children, Jackson and Maddy, uppermost in her mind and making sure they had as much of a positive outlook as she did. Over the next few years, there were triumphs, as cancer went into remission and tests showed “no evidence” detected; and tears, as the seemingly inevitable recurrence happened. And happened again. Through it all, a couple of things remained. First, Teresa’s faith and her belief that things happen for a reason. Second, her willingness to share her journey as a way of educating, and often inspiring, others facing cancer or some other life-changing circumstance. Many of her columns here in the magazine and her “Mommy Musings” in our Oakdale-RiverbankEscalon newspapers were devoted to cancer, her journey and the inspiration she found from others. And for the majority of that time, Teresa remained on the job. She loved sharing people’s stories, whether it was the opening of a new business or the latest achievements of the local FFA chapter. Her connection to cancer awareness actually began long before her own diagnosis. Teresa covered the inaugural Relay For Life in Oakdale in the early 2000s and was so uplifted by it that she came back to the office and announced, “We’re doing this.” That was pretty much the way she

operated. She didn’t really ask permission; she just told you what was going to happen. And happen it did. She spearheaded our Relay For Life team, The Leadin’ Ladies, with staff and family members joining the cause. Never one to just dip her toe in, Teresa jumped in full force. She eventually served as Event Chair for the Oakdale Relay For Life and helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society over the years. In October 2021, this time while fighting cancer herself, Teresa served as Survivor Speaker for the Opening Ceremony at the Relay For Life of Greater Stanislaus County. There was something both fitting and painfully ironic about it. A cause so close to her heart for so many years was built around celebrating survivors, remembering those lost to cancer and fighting back against the disease. As she fought her own battle, Teresa turned to social media to share updates and videos, speaking honestly about the ebbs and flows, the ups and downs of her journey. Eventually, she had to step back from full-time work as her battle intensified, but she still wanted to contribute as much as she could. And our relationship was about much more than work. As friends, we shared trips to San Francisco Giants games, occasional days at the ocean, musical Bingo, holiday gatherings and the big annual Super Bowl watch party Michelle hosts. As her boss, we discussed assignments, where stories

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would run and sometimes what angle to take. My last communication with Teresa was via text. She had come into the office a couple of weeks earlier and we discussed stories she wanted to get scheduled. In early July, she texted to say we should talk about future plans because she was preparing for yet another round of battle. We set a day and time to meet. When the date came, she was too ill. A month later, she was gone. Of all the people who have faced cancer head on, I always felt Teresa was the one who would beat it fully. Her energy, determination, involvement in her treatment and focus on every detail made it unfathomable to me that we would someday put her obituary in the same newspaper she devoted nearly a quarter century of her life to. She raised Jackson and Maddy to be strong and independent and was able to see them both graduate from high school, definitely a goal she had. They also have a support system of friends who became family and who are there for them now. A few weeks after Teresa passed, we finally took her name off our masthead; that part of the newspaper on Page 2 that lists the owner, publisher and staff members. I couldn’t bring myself to do it sooner. Removing her name made it too real. Too final. Teresa fought a valiant fight. She would tell you it wasn’t always pretty; sometimes it was downright messy. Through it all, though, she kept her dignity, her sense of purpose and her faith. And, at least for me, she served daily as an inspiration of how to live life to the fullest, no matter the circumstances. ●

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NAVIGATOR

Escape to

Kennedy Meadows Resort& Pack Station By CLAUDIA NEWCORN

riving up Highway 108, as you get close to Sonora Pass, you may have noticed a sign pointing to Kennedy Meadows Resort & Pack Station. A year ago, out of curiosity, we drove up to check it out and discovered history, fun activities and fellow outdoor enthusiasts enjoying a place that has been serving guests since 1917. Stepping Back in Time Kennedy Meadows Resort & Pack Station (not to be confused with Kennedy Meadows Campground in Kern County) is tucked in a hidden valley meadow in the high Sierra Mountains. FUN FACT: Highway 108 parallels the Sonora Pass Emigrant Trail, one of the oldest, most rugged and highest trans-Sierra wagon train routes. It was a key route for pioneers and those arriving for the gold rush. The scenic highway winds past Pinecrest, Strawberry and Dardanelle and other historic “stations” that served as toll stops, stagecoach rest and mail

relays, and places to find pack horses and mules.

109 Years and Countin Opening in 1917, Kennedy Meadows remains rooted in its “station” heritage. Different owners have helped build the resort into what it is today. Many staff members return every year and consider each other family. Likewise, many guests return year after year, often booking a year in advance. Kennedy Meadows still serves as a pack station, offering one-hour to multihour guided trail rides and multi-day pack trips into the wilderness. And this is not your “roughing it,” sleep-onthe-ground adventure. Trips can include horses or burros, a packer and guide, camp cook, meals, tents, chairs, tables and more. Not yet having saddle calluses, we opted for a one-hour ride. Pure delight. Our guide, Nick, was as

“Up here, and out there, you can reconnect with the real world.”

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“cowboy-esque” as you could hope, with a wide-brimmed white hat, silver handlebar mustache and plenty of salty trail wisdom. Our horses splashed through Kennedy Creek into Upper Kennedy Meadows, winding among shimmering aspens beginning to change to gold, with steep granite cliffs and distant mountains glowing in the morning sunshine. The meadow fascinated me so much I hiked back the next day just to see the pastoral scene again. Up to 150 horses fill the corrals, and there is even a blacksmith on site. Trail guides come from around the country for the season. When the resort closes in October, the horses are trucked to winter pasture at the family ranch in Hornitas. Cozy Cabins Part of Kennedy Meadows’ timeless charm are 23 beautifully maintained wooden cabins clustered near the restaurant, saloon and general store. These are not rustic relics! Each

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furnished cabin has a bathroom with shower, while some offer kitchenettes, refrigerators, wood stoves or outdoor fire rings perfect for making s’mores. Check out the historic Wild Rose cabin, built by the original Kennedy family in the mid-1880s and named for the wild roses that once grew nearby. During the 2018 Donnell Fire, firefighters wrapped the wooden structure to protect it from embers. Something for Everyone Whether you enjoy hiking, horseback riding, fishing, camping or exploring — or just kicking back in nature — Kennedy Meadows has something for everyone. Numerous trails lead into the surrounding Stanislaus National Forest and Emigrant Wilderness. Others drive over 9,626-foot Sonora Pass into Mono County. Kennedy Creek winds through the lower meadow, popular for fishing, wading and picnics. Kids romp around while parents relax on cabin porches. Mosey around the property and you’ll find historic plaques about courageous pioneers

and nearby Relief Reservoir, constructed in 1910. Today, a popular 6.1-mile trail passes remnants of machinery used during its construction. During June and July, Kennedy Meadows also serves Pacific Crest Trail hikers. A pickup brings them from the trailhead for hot showers, resupply and sleeping accommodations. Seeing them gathered behind the general store, sun-browned with dusty boots and backpacks, I wondered how many would complete the 2,650-mile trail before the snows came. The resort raises its own cattle, and its absolutely delicious hamburgers are served in the restaurant. Next door, the general store carries darn near everything you need for hiking or camping — including whatever you forgot. At day’s end, there’s a welcoming old saloon filled with historic photos, a dance floor and a cash-only bar. We met a fellow who had just returned from 21 days alone in the Emigrant Wilderness. “I wanted to get back in touch with Nature,” he explained. “Up here, and out there, you can reconnect with the real world.” ●

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IF YOU GO Reservations are made by phone - (209) 965-3900. Call between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Check out the oldfashioned reservation ledger in the little check-in lobby when you visit. https://www. kennedymeadows.com/ Kennedy Meadows is not a campground; no tents are permitted. The nearby Baker Campground is an option for RVs and tents. Temperatures swing widely – it can be warm during the day, near freezing at night. Plan for clothing layers. Electricity comes from the resort’s onsite generator,

which usually turns off at 11PM, meaning there’s no electricity until early the next morning. You’ll hear the hum when it comes back on. It’s important to bring flashlights; we also brought a stand-up battery-powered lantern for the table and left it on all night so we could safely move about the cabin. Be aware that cell phone service up in the high Sierra can be spotty or even nonexistent. Tank up – the last gas station is in Cold Springs on the way up to the resort. There is no gas available at Kennedy Meadows.

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9/28/2026 5:55:27 AM

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Binge-worthy films

bring adventure By MATT JOHANSON

Snowboarding champion Kimmy Fasani stars in “Butterfly in a Blizzard.”

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once-prolific climber goes “toe to toe with his granite foe” in Yosemite. A champion snowboarder and new mom strives to balance her pursuits. Three friends unite on a drug-fueled quest to contact Mount Shasta’s resident aliens. These stories and more come to life in new films that will appeal to both outdoor athletes as well as armchair-adventurous viewers. A golden age of outdoor films began when climbing superstars Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson took viewers up El Capitan with “The Dawn Wall” in 2017. The world watched with terrified awe when Alex Honnold followed suit up Yosemite’s granite giant, without a rope, in “Free Solo” the next year. Those films made Caldwell and Honnold household names and proved the appeal of well-made outdoor sports movies. They also inspired filmmakers to share stories of adventurers besides Caldwell and Honnold, popular as they are. Among these worthy athletes is John “Verm” Sherman in “Old Man Lightning.” Sherman was once king of the California bouldering scene, but those days are long gone by the time the film begins. Verm, 57, wants another shot at glory, and sets his sights on the most famous boulder problem in the world. That would be Yosemite’s Midnight Lightning, which Sherman climbed 25 years and, he admits, about 25,000 beers ago. Verm dedicates himself to a midlife comeback and trains furiously for six months to meet the challenge. Midnight Lightning, with a V8 rating reflecting worldclass difficulty, proves a worthy adversary. When the boulder repels Verm dozens of times, that only increases his motivation. “Any good title fight goes the distance. I get the feeling this one’s going to also,” Sherman declared. “Old Man Lightning” delivers laughs and a healthy perspective about aging that’s rarely expressed in sports media. Banff World Tour is distributing the film with multiple dates in California and Nevada. “Butterfly in a Blizzard” tells a very different story about snowboarder Kimmy Fasani of Mammoth Lakes. Fasani started winning national championships in her teens, landed historic double-backflips and generally shredded

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John “Verm” Sherman attempts a midlife comeback in “Old Man Lightning.”

Verm dedicates himself to a midlife comeback and trains furiously for six months to meet the challenge.

Fasani decided to start a family and continue her athletic career.

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS

the snowboarding scene for years. Then she married professional skier Chris Benchetler and decided to level up. “I knew I wanted to start a family and I had no intention of slowing down,” Fasani said. Fasani made a rare transition from elite athlete to elite athlete/ mom, waking multiple times per night to feed her son before heading out to carve powder. Soon the family has two young sons, but then Fasani discovers she has an aggressive breast cancer. “The control that I thought I had, it was yanked out from underneath my feet,” she said. “Vulnerability causes transformation. I just don’t know who it’s turning me into.” “Butterfly in a Blizzard” tells “the biggest story never told” about the miracle of motherhood with enough snowboarding action to make it fun to watch. The film is streaming on YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV. For a totally different vibe, “The Lemurian Candidate” takes its audience on a fictional buddy trip on the flanks of Mount Shasta. Legends surround California’s famed volcano, one of them suggesting that alien Lemurians inhabit a city called Telos hidden within the mountain. Jesse is determined to find them, and he gives his onceclose friends Tom and Stan enough psychedelics to pull them into his quest. Think “Cheech and Chong” plus “The Blair Witch Project” plus “Aliens” and you’ll get the picture. “The Lemurian Candidate” aims for comedy more than outdoor adventure, and some will laugh at these three stoners. Others may enjoy the unusual setting of Mount Shasta. The film has been screening in California, Oregon and Nevada. While it’s nice to see some

Three friends seek aliens at Mount Shasta in “The Lemurian Candidate.”

Think “Cheech and Chong” plus “The Blair Witch Project” plus “Aliens” and you’ll get the picture. outdoor movies without the world’s most famous climbers, Caldwell and Honnold team up for another enjoyable film. In “The Devil’s Climb,” the superstars who once climbed The Nose of El Capitan together in less than two hours set their sights on an even more difficult objective. These close friends aim for the first one-day ascent of five summits on the Devils Thumb massif in Alaska. Fewer than 50 have achieved even the remote main summit of 9,077 feet. Just to make things interesting, they ride their bikes (from

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Colorado), sail and hike about 2,600 miles to get there. While their respective El Cap movies preserve their youth in the public’s mind, both have aged in the last decade. Caldwell, in particular, strives to overcome an Achilles injury. Breathtaking cinematography captures a monumental challenge. Climbers and non-climbers alike will enjoy this exhilarating story. “The Devil’s Climb” is streaming on the Disney Channel. If you enjoy these films, make sure to get outdoors yourself too. ●

Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell bike, sail and hike to climb a remote Alaska mountain in “The Devil’s Climb.”

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9/27/2026 11:19:46 AM

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A PLACE CALLED HOME

Fall

Tree Planting

all is the perfect season to celebrate trees as they transform the world into vibrant shades of red, orange, green and gold. You can do more than just admire existing trees - because in many areas, fall is also an ideal time to plant new ones. While spring is often seen as peak planting season, experts say cooler weather and autumn rains provide ideal conditions for seedlings to retain moisture and establish their root systems gradually before winter dormancy, improving their future ability to adjust to summer heat and drier conditions.

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According to the Arbor Day Foundation, planting trees offers many benefits for the planet, wildlife and humans alike. From an environmental perspective, they help filter air and water, remove pollutants from the soil, slow storm surge and nurture biodiversity. Plus, access to nature can reduce stress and increase opportunities for outdoor recreation, improving overall health and wellbeing in your community. This autumn, use these expert tips from Eric North, program manager of urban forestry and ISA-certified arborist at the Arbor Day Foundation, to plan your fall tree planting and add a few new hues to your local landscapes.

keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk itself so you don’t create a “mulch volcano” that traps moisture against the bark.

Choose the Right Tree

Small trees are vulnerable to damage from local wildlife like deer and rabbits, who may chew on bark or snap fragile branches. Installing a protective fence or breathable tree guard can help safeguard trees until they’re older and more capable of withstanding scavenging from hungry critters.

Water Frequently

Cozy autumn rainstorms might share some of the workload here, but when the forecast looks clear, it’s up to you to water your newly planted seedlings. Keeping the soil consistently moist allows a young tree’s roots to stay hydrated and continue growing. Precise care instructions will depend on the type of tree and your location but expect to thoroughly water your trees about once a week until the ground freezes.

Protect Against Wildlife

Setting your trees up for success starts with choosing the right species. Before ordering seedlings, take time to identify species that are well-suited to your local climate, soil conditions and planting site. Also consider the tree’s mature height and how far the canopy will spread - it won’t stay small forever, so make sure you can give it space to grow.

Join the Cause with Trees

Research from the Arbor Day Foundation’s Canopy Report shows most Americans want to live in neighborhoods with more trees, but only a minority report having planted a tree Think About Timing in the past year. However, if you’re feeling inspired to plant Although you can technically plant trees until the trees in your yard this fall, the soil is too frozen to dig a hole, organization is ready to help. it’s best to schedule your fall People understand New members who join tree planting at least six weeks during the nonprofit organizabefore the ground freezes so the how important tress are for tion’s fall membership drive will seedlings have time to adapt their communities, their health receive 10 free trees suitable for before winter. If you’re unable and the environment. their region, along with clear to plant your trees immediately Many just need a simple way instructions on how to plant after getting them, you can store to get started. and care for them. Whether them in a cool, dry place, making you’re a first-time planter or a sure the roots stay damp, for up seasoned friend of the forest, to five days before putting them you’ll receive ongoing support to ensure success in your efin the ground. forts to grow a greener world. “People understand how important trees are for their comDon’t Dig Too Deep munities, their health and the environment,” said Dan Lambe, A tree planted too deep may develop root and trunk chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Many just problems that can affect its long-term health. Instead need a simple way to get started. Our fall membership drive of digging deep, go wide to encourage roots to spread puts trees directly into people’s hands and gives them the conoutward. Dig a hole roughly 3-4 times wider than the fidence to plant trees successfully.” root system but no deeper than the root itself. When you The foundation has engaged tree planters in more than put the tree in the hole, the root flare (where the trunk 90% of all American neighborhoods, thanks in large part to meets the roots) should sit level with the soil or slightly the organization’s membership drives each planting season. above it. This fall, more than 2 million new trees are expected to be distributed. Mulch with Care To sign up and choose your 10 free trees, visit Arborday. Adding 2-3 inches of mulch in a layer around the base org/GetTrees, where you can also find additional advice on of the tree can help insulate the soil and roots, retain tree planting, care and more. ● moisture and suppress weeds. However, be careful to

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SECTION A PLACETITLE CALLED HOME

Design your home workout space around the way you actually exercise

t’s a tale as old as treadmills: You buy a new exercise machine with the best of intentions, only for it to become an expensive laundry rack that makes you feel guilty every time you glance over at it. When it comes to making lifestyle changes, the key is not to overhaul your whole routine at once, but to figure out what habits match your lifestyle, personality and passions. Use these tips to create a home workout space you’ll keep using after the novelty wears off.

Figure Out What Exercises You Enjoy Before you commit to a big equipment purchase, think about what kinds of exercise feel natural and enjoyable (and which ones make you groan). If you love running, a treadmill may be worth the space it takes up. However, a rack of dumbbells might just wind up collecting dust if you hate lifting weights. Yoga or dance enthusiasts may prefer to design a more studio-like home gym, while bodyweight strength trainers could be happy with a pull-up bar in the doorway and a mat to do planks on. Consider joining a workout class or gym for a month or two to try different kinds of exercises and machines so you’ll have a better idea of what’s worth investing in permanently.

Evaluate the Space You Have A good home workout area needs to work around the physical realities of your house or apartment. If you have a whole room or finished basement to dedicate to the cause, this won’t constrain you too much. If you’re working with a corner of your home office, bedroom or garage, saving space becomes a more critical factor. In these cases, it all comes down to priorities. If you only have room for one piece of bigger equipment, get the one you know you’ll actually use, whether that’s an elliptical, strength machine, standing bicycle or rowing machine. Then build out your collection with other items that can be easily moved and stored, like resistance bands and small weights or dumbbells. Start Small and Expand as Needed Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need to have everything before you can get started. It’s often better to build out your workout space slowly - get a few things at a time, see what you use regularly and figure out what you might be missing along the way. Maybe you realize you enjoy

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lifting weights and keep wishing you had heavier ones, signaling a need to upgrade. Add Some Atmosphere Dark, dismal home gyms are more likely to make your workout feel like a punishment instead of a part of your day worth looking forward to. Creating a space you enjoy being in is just as important as choosing a workout you enjoy doing. For you, that might look like choosing an area of the home with plenty of natural lighting to make you feel more awake - or adding string lights and colorchanging wall sconces for a relaxing yoga session. Maybe it means adding art on the walls or a floor-to-ceiling mirror so you can check your form. A large rubber floormat with a cheerful design, a sound system to play your favorite hype songs or a daily calendar of motivational quotes could be the magic ingredient to get you into the right mindset so you can crush your workout. As long as it works for you, anything goes. For more tips on home design that fits your life, visit eLivingtoday.com.

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9/27/2026 11:29:12 AM

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209-581-0480 • CSLB #875920 4425 Farm Supply Drive, Ceres, CA 95307 office@ateeplesinc.com www.ateeplesplumbing.com 209MAGAZINE.COM

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MARKETPLACE

Fresh scents and sense of community By MARG JACKSON

riginally a home-based business, Angela Cornilsen has taken her Oliva Dawn Candle Co. to new heights in recent years. Moving from her home to a rented room in another local business, then to her own shop on Escalon’s Main Street and, now, settling in to her location at 2235 Jackson Avenue, Unit A in Escalon, the business owner is happiest when making connections. “I love people coming in; I love getting to know people,” Cornilsen said. The name of her shop is personal; drawn from the street she grew up on in Southern California – Oliva – and her middle name – Dawn – combining to make a store name as unique as the scents that provide the aroma inside it. “It’s all done right here,” she shared of creating candles and perfumes, with people able to choose exactly what they want. Workshops allow patrons to make their own

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candle, cologne or perfume, though there are also readymade products for those that just want to do a little shopping. For Cornilsen, seeing people embrace their own creativity at her scent studio is a gift as well. “Building a custom perfume, it’s completely unique to them and their tastes, what they love,” she said. All the clean, natural scents are available in store, with options for using single notes or more than one for the product being created. The shop has candles, body and room mists, foaming soaps, bar soaps, room diffusers, healing salves, multi-surface cleaners and more for purchase, in addition to some gift items such as T-shirts and outerwear from other local businesses. “During COVID, I lost my job and I started making candles with my daughter, who came home from South Dakota,” Cornilsen shared of the birth of the business. She started giving candles to friends and then found people wanted to order more, eventually leading to the additional products and the need for a storefront. “People love gift baskets so a lot of times, they’ll grab items here and I’ll put a basket together and wrap it up with a nice bow,” she said of finding some unique holiday items for gift giving. They also rent out the shop space for bridal showers, baby showers, or other family events, in addition to the workshop offerings. And whether you’re looking to create gifts for others, making something special for yourself, or shopping for the holidays,

“Building a custom perfume, it’s completely unique to them and their tastes, what they love.” Cornilsen said she wants everyone to feel comfortable and welcome, bringing that community feel to her small store. The Jackson Avenue shop in Escalon is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; you can also book workshop appointments online Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit the website at www.olivadawn. com or call 209-787-0242. ●

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DIY HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

aking your own holiday presents is a wonderful way to give something personal while saving money. Homemade Christmas gifts can be grouped into easy, practical categories depending on whether you like to bake, craft, or keep things incredibly simple. Here is a comprehensive list of creative DIY holiday gift ideas, organized by type:

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& KITCHEN GIFTS

FOOD

Homemade Vanilla Extract Slice vanilla beans down the middle, submerge them in vodka in a glass bottle, and let it sit for a few months for an impressive, high-end gift.

Cookie or Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar Layer dry ingredients (like flour, sugar, and chocolate chips for cookies, or cocoa and mini marshmallows) inside a mason jar and tie a recipe card to the lid.

Simmer Pot Kits Pack dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves in a cellophane bag for a beautiful stovetop holiday potpourri.

Flavored Granola or Confections Bake a batch of cranberry-pistachio granola or whip up custom shortbread cookies packaged in a decorative tin.

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The best holiday gifts aren’t always bought — sometimes they’re made with a little creativity, care and heart.

COZY

HOME DECOR

Marbled Clay Trinket Dishes Twist two colors of oven-bake clay together, roll them flat, shape the edges into a small dish, and bake at 275°F for 15 minutes.

Handmade Soy Candles Melt soy wax flakes, add holiday scents like pine or cinnamon, and set a wick inside thrifted teacups or mason jars.

Personalized Photo Coasters Use Mod Podge to adhere meaningful photos or patterned paper onto inexpensive ceramic tiles or wood slices.

Mini Embroidery Hoop Ornaments Frame small, festive hand-embroidered designs inside tiny wooden embroidery hoops to hang on the tree.

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& BODY COMFORTS

BATH

Peppermint Sugar Scrub Mix granulated sugar, melted coconut oil, and 15–20 drops of peppermint essential oil for a 5-minute luxurious body scrub.

Custom Rollerball Perfume Blend a carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond oil with essential oils in small glass rollers for custom scents.

All-Natural Lip Balm Melt down beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil into small tins for a functional, clutter-free stocking stuffer.

Relaxing Bath Salts Combine Epsom salt, coarse sea salt, dried lavender, and a few drops of essential oils in an airtight jar.

& CREATIVE

FUN

PROJECTS DIY Board Games or Decision Jars Hand-paint a checkerboard onto wood or write fun date-night ideas on popsicle sticks inside a “Decision Jar.”

“Some Dough” Pizza Box For a creative way to give cash, place a circle of craft paper inside a clean pizza box, arrange dollar bills like a pizza, and add paper “toppings.”

Houseplant Cuttings Propagate baby plants from your own collection and pot them in charming, thrifted mugs or bowls.

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FINANCING & LAYAWAY FOR THE HOLIDAYS MOST LIVE KITCHEN DISPLAYS IN THE VALLEY! Come see why we have won the Best of 209 for Twelve consecutive Years. We have everything you need for a superior remodel.

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2412 McHenry Ave., Modesto • 209-238-3000 • Mon - Sat 9am to 7pm, Sun 10am to 5pm 701 K Street, Modesto • Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm 209-238-3000 • www.directappliance.com 209 MAG 77-2026JON.indd 63

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209-521-4490 www.aakmodesto.com

Monday – Friday 9 am -5 pm, Saturday 10 am – 5 pm

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