209 Magazine - Issue #72

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

ISSUE 72

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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LIGHT

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THE NIGHT

ALL ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS

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FEATURES As we enter the season of long, dark nights, the lights of holiday decorations can bring forth both a sense of Christmas cheer and hope for those remembering lost loved ones.

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Lights of Love

Christmas Tree Lane

D E C EM B ER/J A NUA RY 2026 – ISSU E 72

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14 24

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20 DEPARTMENTS IN THE KNOW 10 Calendar of Events 14 The Polar Express

THE GREAT OUTDOORS 40 Snowshoeing in the 209 42 Sierra Splendor

ARTS&CULTURE 16 The Ill List

A PLACE CALLED HOME 46 Pet-friendly Holiday Decorating 48 Spring Gardening Starts Now

FLAVORS 20 Seasonal Brews 24 The Atrium NAVIGATOR 28 Valley Forge

FULL OF LIFE 52 The Winter Reset 54 Fitness and Beyond MARKETPLACE 58 Lodi Cyclery 60 All American Mobile Gaming

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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

Vol. 13 No. 72

December/ January 2026

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

PUBLISHER/OWNER Hank Vander Veen

EDITOR Kristina Hacker

MANAGING EDITOR Sabra Stafford

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Harold L. George

WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Jeff Benziger Dale Butler Chrisopher Correa Joe Cortez Marg Jackson Matt Johanson Kristi Mayfield Claudia Newcorn Zachary Ramos Vince Rembulat Dennis Wyatt

ADVERTISING & PARTNERSHIPS Chris Castro Beth Flanagan Melody Wann Charles Webber

MARKETING 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

As the year winds to a close and the Valley settles into its crisp winter rhythm, we find ourselves reflecting on the power of community— how it shows up in art, in tradition, and in the quiet ways we care for one another.

This season, we’re proud to spotlight the 20th annual Ill List poetry slam, returning to the historic State Theatre on Dec. 13. What began as a grassroots showcase has grown into a nationally recognized celebration of spoken word, drawing fierce talent and loyal fans from across the region. If you’ve never experienced the electric energy of a live slam, this is the one to catch.

We’re also raising a glass to the seasonal brews pouring from some of our favorite 209 breweries. From spiced stouts to citrusy winter ales, these small-batch creations are perfect for holiday gatherings or quiet nights by the fire. Our roundup highlights where to sip, savor, and stock up.

For those looking to reset and recharge, our winter wellness checklist offers practical ways to stay grounded—whether it’s through movement, mindfulness, or simply making space for rest.

And in a more reflective spirit, we honor the annual Hospice of San Joaquin Tree of Lights ceremony, a luminous tribute to loved ones and a reminder of the enduring bonds that carry us through the season.

As always, we encourage you to support the local businesses and advertisers who make this publication possible. Their investment in our shared stories helps keep the heart of the 209 beating strong.

Wishing you warmth, wellness, and wonder this winter.

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

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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

IN THE KNOW

COMMUNITY EVENTS NOV

27

RUN AND WALK AGAINST HUNGER

2025

Start your holiday with purpose at the Emergency Food Bank Stockton/San Joaquin’s 21st Annual Run and Walk Against Hunger, proudly presented by the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation®. Held on Thursday, November 27, this beloved Thanksgiving morning tradition invites individuals, families, friend groups, corporate teams, and running clubs to come together in support of hunger relief across the community.

Whether you choose to run or walk, you’ll be part of a vibrant, health-focused event that raises vital funds and awareness for local families in need. It’s a joyful way to embrace the spirit of giving and kick off the holiday with heart. Registration details are available at runwalkagainsthunger. itsyourrace.com/register.

NOV

28

2025

SONORA CHRISTMAS ARTISAN FAIR

Celebrate the season at the 3rd Annual Sonora Christmas Artisan Fair, held Friday and Saturday, November 28–29, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds, 220 Southgate Drive in Sonora. This festive holiday marketplace will fill all three buildings with over 130 artisan crafters, makers, cooks, and bakers, alongside roaming carolers, choirs, and performers from local playhouses. The Sierra Building will host Santa and the Children’s Workshop, offering complimentary craft projects for kids. Outdoors, a Winter Wonderland will come to life with elves, reindeer, Christmas trees, and a culinary bazaar featuring treats for every taste and dietary preference. Guests can enjoy live music from beloved Mother Lode musicians, sip hot chocolate in a cozy sanctuary, and unwind with seasonal beverages at the Top Shelf Elf Lounge. Admission is $6 at the door. Produced by Mountain Meadow Production Company. For more information, contact Meadow at (209) 352-0288 or email sonorachristmasartisanfair@ gmail.com.

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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

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2025

HOLIDAY POPS! WITH THE MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Celebrate the season with a festive musical experience as the Modesto Symphony Orchestra and MSO Chorus present Holiday Pops! at the Gallo Center for the Arts.

Performances take place Friday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 6 at 2:00 p.m., conducted by Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray. The program features the MSO Chorus under the direction of Daniel R. Afonso Jr., with special guest artist Tony DeSare— an acclaimed vocalist and pianist—bringing jazzy flair to beloved holiday classics. From nostalgic tunes to spirited arrangements, this concert promises heartwarming cheer for the whole family. Let the music of the season lift your spirits and kick off your holidays in style.

DEC

5

2025

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS FEAST AT CITY HOTEL RESTAURANT

Celebrate the season in true 19th-century style at Columbia’s beloved Victorian Christmas Feast, hosted by City Hotel Restaurant. This immersive holiday experience unfolds with a lively melodrama, festive music, a sparkling champagne toast in the parlor, and a sumptuous four-course dinner paired with fine wines. Guests are encouraged to wear Victorian attire and embrace the spirit of yesteryear in a warm, candlelit setting. The event takes place at 6:30 p.m. on December 5, 7, 11, and 12, and admission is by reservation only. To secure your preferred evening, visit bit.ly/vicfeast.

When purchasing tickets, please indicate any vegetarian or vegan preferences and list all party members if booking separately to ensure group seating. For questions, contact cchcc@gmail.com or call 209559-7723.

DEC

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2025

MODEL TRAIN SHOW IN TURLOCK

All aboard for the 2025 Model Train Show, hosted by the San Joaquin Valley Toy Train Operators, Inc. This beloved annual event returns to the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds on Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Now in its 48th year, the show features a wide array of model train displays, door prizes included with admission, and a special visit from Santa on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Admission is $10 (cash or credit), with free entry for children under 12 accompanied by a paying adult. Enjoy free parking and delicious offerings from local food vendors Slick Fork BBQ and The Holy Doughnut while exploring the world of toy trains.

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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

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2025

WINTER WONDERLAND HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE AT HUTCHINS STREET SQUARE

Celebrate the season with a festive shopping experience at the Winter Wonderland Holiday Boutique, happening Sunday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hutchins Street Square. This cherished community event brings together local artisans, makers, small businesses, and organizations offering handcrafted goods, holiday décor, and unique gifts perfect for everyone on your list. Whether you’re hunting for seasonal treasures or simply love supporting local creativity, the boutique promises a cozy, spirited atmosphere filled with charm and inspiration. Come shop, stroll, and soak in the magic of the holidays while discovering one-of-a-kind finds in a welcoming winter setting.

IN THE KNOW

DEC

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2025

DEC

CARNITAS POSADA FESTIVAL

2025

A NIGHT UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS: A FROZEN-INSPIRED GALA

The Carnitas Posada Festival returns to Modesto on Saturday, December 13 from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. at 711 I Street, offering a vibrant blend of holiday cheer and rich cultural tradition. This free, family-friendly event celebrates one of Mexico’s most beloved dishes—las carnitas—with a festive evening of flavor, music, and community.

Highlights include a carnitas contest, live performances, artisan vendors, food booths, games, and prizes. Families can enjoy piñatas, toys for kids, a Santa photo op, dancing horses, and a car exhibition. Guests are also invited to participate in a voice contest and browse for unique holiday gifts from local makers. Held both indoors and outdoors, the Carnitas Posada Festival promises a joyful celebration for all ages.

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The Weaver Performing Arts Boosters invite you to their third annual gala, A Night Under the Northern Lights, inspired by Disney’s Frozen, on Saturday, December 13, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Merced County Fairgrounds Pavilion Building, 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Merced. This enchanting evening supports the Weaver Performing Arts Program at Weaver USD, a Title 1 district dedicated to providing enriching extracurricular opportunities for its diverse student population. Funds raised will help produce Frozen JR. at the Merced Theatre in spring 2026, covering the cost of sets, costumes, props, and muchneeded technical equipment upgrades. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with festivities beginning at 6:30 p.m. Join the community for a magical night of celebration and support for the arts.

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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

IN THE KNOW

JAMESTOWN’S MAGICAL JOURNEY TO THE NORTH POLE RETURNS

By ZACHERY RAMOS

here’s something truly timeless about the sound of a train whistle on a crisp December night — a sound that seems to echo through generations, carrying with it the promise of wonder, laughter, and a little Christmas magic. Each holiday season, families from across California bundle up in their coziest pajamas, clutch their golden tickets, and gather under the twinkling lights of Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown, ready to board the award-winning Polar Express Train Ride.

From November 28 through December 21, the historic rail yard transforms into a living snow globe of holiday cheer. Twinkling

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garlands adorn the vintage train cars, carolers hum nostalgic tunes, and the smell of cocoa fills the winter air. For one magical hour, passengers embark on a journey straight out of the pages of Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved Christmas classic — The Polar Express.

Your adventure begins the moment you step onto the platform.

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

The historic train cars — lovingly restored and decked with garlands, bells, and lights — seem to hum with excitement. Friendly “chefs” in crisp white uniforms welcome guests aboard, serving steaming cups of hot chocolate and sweet holiday treats as families settle into the warm, glowing seats.

Once aboard, the story of The Polar Express unfolds. Narrators read the timeless tale while music from the iconic film soundtrack fills the air. Children gaze out frost-touched windows as the train chugs through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, heading “all the way to the North Pole.”

As you near your destination, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Santa’s glittering village — elves waving, lights sparkling, and the faint sound of sleigh bells in the distance. And then, like magic, Santa Claus himself boards the train, greeting wide-eyed children and gifting each passenger the “First Gift of Christmas” — a shining silver sleigh bell. Only those who truly believe can hear its joyful ring.

Once the train returns from its North Pole voyage, guests are invited to stroll along the lighted walkway to the park’s Historic Roundhouse, where Santa and his elves are waiting for photos and festive chats.

Families linger beneath the string lights, snapping pictures beside the iconic Sierra No. 3 steam locomotive, which famously appeared in classic films like “Back to the Future Part III.” Railtown 1897’s staff and volunteers go above and beyond to make this event truly special. Each year, they transform the century-old depot into a Christmas wonderland, recreating every small detail

of the story — from golden tickets and conductor punch cards to the comforting smell of cocoa drifting through the cars. It’s no surprise that the event was honored with the Polar Bell Award for Best Décor by Rail Events Inc.

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS NEVER STOPS ROLLING

Every Polar Express ticket is more than a seat on a train — it’s a passport to pure Christmas nostalgia.

Each ticket includes: Admission to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park; A Golden Ticket to board the Polar Express; An hour-long roundtrip ride to the North Pole; Hot chocolate and a holiday cookie served by onboard chefs; The reading of The Polar Express story; A visit with Santa Claus at the North Pole; and, of course, a silver sleigh bell — the “First Gift of Christmas.”

Tickets are $85 per person for coach seating, with children under two riding free on an adult’s lap.

Trains depart Fridays through Sundays at 4:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.

It’s advised to purchase early — tickets go on sale October 12, and just like Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve, they tend to vanish in the blink of an eye.

Railtown’s Polar Express is more

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than an event — it’s an experience that awakens the childlike joy within us all. Parents sip cocoa with their little ones, couples hold hands as the carols play, and children press their noses to the frosty glass, eyes wide with belief.

Guests are even encouraged to wear their favorite Christmas pajamas to match the characters from the story. Some families bring along their copy of The Polar Express book for the Conductor to sign — creating a treasured holiday keepsake that can be passed down for years to come.

And don’t forget to bring your camera! The park’s historic Roundhouse offers the perfect backdrop for holiday photos, complete with Santa, twinkling lights, and the magnificent steam engine ready for its next run to the North Pole.

The Polar Express Train Ride at Railtown 1897 has become a Central Valley and Sierra foothill tradition — one that connects generations through storytelling, music, and the magic of belief. Since its debut years ago, the event has drawn families from across the state who come not just for the ride, but for the feeling it creates.

As the train whistles through the night and the sleigh bells jingle softly in every child’s hand, you can’t help but believe that Christmas magic is alive and well in Jamestown.

This holiday season, step aboard, sip some cocoa, and listen for the bell — because at Railtown 1897, the Polar Express proves once again that the spirit of Christmas never stops rolling.

For tickets and more information visit railtown1897.org or call 209984-3407. ●

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

ARTS & CULTURE

20ofyears The Ill List PERFORMANCE POETRY AT THE STATE THEATRE

A

nyone who enjoys spoken word or live theatre knows that attending The Ill List annual poetry slam at The State Theatre is more than just an evening of poetry. It is filled with poets from all over the nation, sharing their wit, wisdom and observations about the world around them and is one of the most prestigious events of its kind in California. The event, which is coming up on Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at The State Theatre in Modesto, continues to draw talented artists that have performed on shows including HBO’s Def Poetry Jam and NPR’s Snap Judgment.

For 20 years, The Ill List has brought artists together to compete against each other for cash prizes in excess of $1,000 and the coveted title of The Ill List Champion. Sam Pierstorff, Executive Director of Modesto Arts Movement, English Professor at MJC, and former Poet Laureate for the City of Modesto, wanted to spark the interest of his students and show them that poetry doesn’t have to be stuffy or formal, that it can be explorative, emotional and even funny. “We wanted to make the event interactive, inclusive and inspiring,” said Pierstorff.

This year promises to be exceptional with top performers including: Prentice Powell, Mercedez Holtry, Jae Nichelle, Ebony Stewart and Mike McGee from past events returning to The State Theatre to share their musings with the crowd.

Angela Drew, former winner of The Ill List, was recently named the Poet Laureate of the City of Modesto and is currently working on a project entitled, “Writing Ourselves In,” which will document the oral histories of AfricanAmerican elders and residents from Modesto and will open in February 2026.

Pierstorff along with Greg Edwards, former Modesto

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Arts Promoter, initially used The Prospect Theatre to host the events.

As the event grew, they eventually changed venues, relocating to The State Theatre, which can accommodate the large crowds that flock to the shows every December. “Poetry Slam is the punk rock of poetry,” said Pierstorff when addressing how this event brings artists from various walks of life together to honor their gifts and celebrate their diversity.

Pierstorff now hosts the annual event with his wife, Ruhi Sheikh and continues to focus on bringing purposeful, engaging shows to the Central Valley. As new owners of The Queen Bean in Modesto, they also host monthly events such as Slam on Rye, a poetry slam which is open to all and

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

By KRISTI MAYFIELD features local artists such as Grammy nominated poet Prentice Powell, who hails from Oakland and is known for his spoken word poetry, which often focuses on issues such as mental health and systemic injustice.

For Chris Murphy, CEO of Sierra Pacific Warehouse Group and publisher of Modesto View, sponsoring The Ill List Poetry Slam was important as Murphy cites the close connection between artistic endeavors and the community. “This event brings more opportunities and more outlets for artists in our area and that is something that deserves to be celebrated,” said Murphy.

To purchase tickets or for more information, please visit: https:// thestate.org or call (209) 527-4697. ●

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FLAVORS

TAPPED FOR WINTER SEASONAL BREWS IN THE 209

By JOE CORTEZ

I WE ARE GOING TO START A NEW COCKTAIL MENU FOR THE WINTER.

t’s the holiday season … and the weather outside is frightful.

OK, we know. We live in the 209. The weather is rarely frightful here in Central California.

But it does get chilly during November and December, and wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy a drink that matches the season and warms your insides like a liquid Christmas carol? We think it would. So here are a few that you might want to try during the holiday season before they get packed up and put away in the attic with the rest of the holiday decorations.

Dust Bowl Brewing Company, 3000 Fulkerth Road, Turlock — When you think of Dust Bowl, you probably think of Great Depression-themed beers. But the popular brewery has moved into making fine spirits, and have come up with

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a peppermint-flavored moonshine — called, simply enough, Peppermint Moonshine — that tastes like a candy cane with a solid left hook.

Though not yet available for to-go sales, you can get a taste of Dust Bowl’s newest creation as a cocktail ingredient, at the bar or in the dining room.

“We are going to start a new cocktail menu for the winter,” said Dust Bowl owner and founder Brett Tate.

According to brewmaster Don Oliver, the impetus for Peppermint Moonshine was a request from the taproom staff.

“Peppermint goes really well during the holidays, and we have some cocktail people up there who wanted to play around a little bit,” said Oliver. “And if we only have certain things, they get to play around a little less.”

Dust Bowl has relationships

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

with different flavor houses, allowing Luke Baker, Dust Bowl’s product development manager, to tinker with different recipes.

“We had some samples from S&S Flavors down in Southern California and we did a couple trials based on their recommended dosage rates,” said Oliver. “And we have some formulations that we’d already built from another group called Sovereign Flavors — also based in Southern California — and we used those as a base to start with the sugar content and the proof and things like that. So we had some guidelines, which allowed us to put it all together, make some tweaks, and get it to where we like it.”

Dust Bowl also features a pumpkinflavored beer.

“The last couple of years, we’ve done pumpkin stouts and pumpkin imperials,” said Oliver. “But when we have too many high-alcohol beers, everything else sells slower, and I want the beers to stay fresh. So, this year, we went a little more normal on the pumpkin beer. It’s a pumpkin amberstyle lager that should bring in about 6% alcohol.”

On the non-flavored front, Black Blizzard is a Russian imperial stout that pairs nicely with the cool temperatures.

“Cold weather is really good for darker beers, bigger beers that you can enjoy around the fire. And because I like to drink them, I continue to make them whether they sell or not,” Oliver said with a laugh. “So, Black Blizzard is one we like to have in cans and on draft.”

Persuasion Brewing Co., 500 7th St., Modesto — A relatively recent release from the Modesto brewer called Truth or Consequences took third place at the Amador County Commercial Craft Beer Competition in September.

It’s an imperial stout that’s been aged for three and a half years in Heaven Hill barrels, which are most nota-

bly used for high-quality Kentucky bourbon.

“I released some about a month ago and it did really well for us,” said head brewer Jonas Dixon. “The plan is to release more in time for Black Friday.”

The high-quality barrels not only enhance the alcohol-by-volume content — customers are limited to two 10-ounce pours because of the kicky 13.8% ABV — but add notes of oak, vanilla, and stone fruit. As the beer warms up — it should be enjoyed at room temperature, Dixon pointed out — you might notice hints of chocolate, almonds, and coconut.

“It has a taste that’s similar to an Almond Joy candy bar,” said Dixon.

“And I’m kind of an anomaly in that I’m not a big fan of coffee or chocolate, but the beers that I like to consume are chocolate-based.”

Xavier Walker, a traveling nurse practitioner who lives in New York City, said they don’t have stouts like Truth or Consequences in the Big Apple.

“It’s a great blend,” said Walker, who was raised in the Bronx. “Creamy, with a rich flavor. I truly enjoy this. Man, if you could get this on the East Coast, they would eat this up.”

If Walker is any indication, Truth or Consequences will be a popular pour this holiday season.

“He told me, ‘Whatever price you want for this, I’ll pay it; I want to take this back to New York with me,’” said Dixon.

Contentment Brewing Company, 208 Campus Way, Modesto — Owner and head brewer Alejandro Serrato is offering a 4.7% ABV pumpkin ale and a 5.3% ABV vanilla porter — called Punkin’ Ale and Syd’s Magic Rollercoaster, respectively — that will be a hit for all your Christmas entertaining.

“It’s mostly for the fall and winter,” said Serrato, who opened Contentment Brewing in 2019. “People don’t really drink it in the summertime so

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WE USE GRADE A VANILLA BEANS FROM MADAGASCAR AND EXTRACT THE FLAVONOIDS USING BOURBON TO GIVE IT A WOODY, BARREL FLAVOR we bring it out for holidays and it moves pretty well. People like it.

“We produced seven barrels, which is about 230 gallons. It’ll be gone in a month or two (around the new year).”

Serrato makes his own vanilla extract that goes into Syd’s Magic Rollercoaster “We use Grade A vanilla beans from Madagascar and extract the flavonoids using bourbon instead of vodka, which gives you a woody, barrel flavor,” said Serrato.

Contentment Brewing, which has 18 beers on tap, also produces its own cream soda and root beer, and just installed a pickleball court at the brewery, where there are still taco trucks and live music. ●

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

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FLAVORS

Inside Turlock’s

ATRIUM Iconic restaurant in East Turlock gets a rebrand

By CHRISTOPHER CORREA

It took some time to find this totally new look

F

or those that regularly attend events or work at the Tower Health & Wellness Center in Turlock, the atrium is a familiar term, as it is used to describe the first-floor foyer. ATRIUM is also the new name of the building’s flagship restaurant, which underwent a significant rebrand over the summer.

Long known as Toscana’s Ristorante, an Italian staple in the city, the ATRIUM

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Café, Restaurant & Events at 1801 Colorado Ave. #190 (inside the Tower) is now offering a wide-ranging menu and its new café and upscale, garden-themed dining area.

“It took some time to find this totally new look, this new feel that we felt was attractive to the new clients we wanted, that untapped market of a younger crowd in that 25-year- and 36-year-old age

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

range,” said owner Liberty Santiago.

“And I think we nailed it.”

The front of the restaurant is the café, which includes a small seating area complemented with a trendy mirror bearing the ATRIUM logo. Further down is the dining area, with tableclothed seating areas with silverware and glasses under the accent lighting of chandeliers and a neon sign reading: “good food, good mood.”

The café, run predominantly by barista Gonzalo Leal and open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., has a variety of drinks from classic espressos like lattes, mochas and macchiatos, to teas such as chai and matcha. There are also bagels and bagel sandwiches available, as well as pastries like cinnamon rolls, coffee cake, cookies and gelato. Some of the top-selling items through their first few weeks have been the brown sugar shaken espresso and ‘Monkey Mocha,’ a banana-flavored espresso. There is a menu of specialty items from the café that are available throughout the day.

The lunch menu, available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, is made for quick bites, catering to the bustling atmosphere of the Tower, where workers can hang out on their lunch breaks or visitors can swing by before or after their appointments. Popular items include chicken Caesar, almond chicken and ahi salads, as well as turkey, fried chicken, spicy capicola and crispy ginger pork sandwiches.

Dinner is served 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays, with steak, lobster, salmon, prawn, ahi tuna, game hen and chicken on the menu, as well as shareables like pork sliders, lobster tacos, steak bites, bacon asparagus and shrimp alfredo flatbreads.

Other seafood dishes like the tower, oysters on the half shell, and the classic shrimp cocktail can be ordered for both lunch and dinner.

I want to change the menu often so it’s always exciting, and it introduces people to other things.

The lunch and dinner items, as well as the presentation, were curated in collaboration between kitchen consultant Marc Diaz and head chef Juan ParedesTorres.

“I got the shareables idea from my travels and such with my husband and my daughter,” said Santiago. “We all like to travel, so when we go to these bigger cities, everything’s shareable. I’d think, ‘Why doesn’t Turlock have that?’”

Santiago and her husband, Alex, purchased Toscana’s from the Romeo family — synonymous with the restaurant and the Tower — in September of 2023. They maintained the name and the Italian menu until July 1 of this year, when they temporarily closed to start the teardown and renovation process of the 5,000-square-foot space.

“After I felt comfortable learning the business aspect of owning and operating a restaurant, I saw the traffic had been dying down quite a bit,” said Santiago. “We had to try something different.”

She called general manager Cassady Vierra the “true mastermind” behind the rebrand.

“I’ve seen the potential this place has,” said Vierra, who worked at Toscana’s in a variety of roles for nearly a decade.

“It’s a big space with so many people walking through here, and I wanted to bring some life back to it.”

The design was done with the help of Monica Salvador of Valley Interiors. Just 45 days after the temporary shutdown began, the family and their staff held a grand reopening ceremony with the Turlock Chamber of Commerce.

“The garden theme is very prominent with an atrium being an indoor garden and our name being a nod to the building,” said Santiago. “We wanted something that was timeless.”

Being timeless also consists of adapting. The group explained that they welcome feedback from customers, and that they will allow chefs to be creative in the kitchen.

“This isn’t ‘This is our menu and this is how it’ll be forever,’” Santiago said. “I feel very passionate about that. I want to change the menu often so it’s always exciting, and it introduces people to other things.”

Vierra said that the new concept has been a delight to several community members.

“It is different, and not many people enjoy change as drastic as this, but we understand that” she said. “But it’s been great so far. Those who have come by to try have complimented the design and haven’t said a bad thing about the food, which is huge. It really has been a success so far, which I’m really proud of.”

The ATRIUM can be followed across social media platforms, including Instagram at @atrium.restaurant. turlock and @atrium.cafe.turlock. A full menu can be viewed and reservations can be made online at atriumturlock.com, as well as by calling (209) 216-3555. ● scan to learn more

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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

Winter at the CAC! Visit the Carnegie Arts Center this winter to explore creative activities & events!

Activities

12/6: Wellness Art Club 12/19: Family Friday Movie Night, Elf 12/27: Saturday Studio, drop-in art activity

Stockton 11/25

Lodi 12/4

Ripon 12/1

Rio Vista 12/6

Escalon 12/2

Lockeford 12/6

Manteca 12/3

Tracy 12/9

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.

Classes

12/2: Watercolor Christmas Card Workshop 12/12: Holiday Sip ‘n Glaze Ceramics 12/17: Toddler Time Holiday Party 12/19: Holiday Friday Flower Club

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NAVIGATOR

Valley Forge

BIRTH OF THE CONTINENTAL ARMY

By CLAUDIA NEWCORN

T

raipsing around Valley Forge Historical National Park in Pennsylvania on a hot humid summer day couldn’t have been more different from what the fledgling army of the Revolutionary war experienced during the frigid winter of 1777-78. Yet it was in this hilly farmland where what would become the victorious Continental Army under the command of George Washington was forged.

HISTORY, CLARIFIED Visiting the Valley Forge forces you to reboot your knowledge of US history. In late 1777, the British occupied Philadelphia, and the tide of war had turned against the new country’s independence. Washington chose to have his troops winter in Valley Forge, a day’s march from the captive city, so they could to recover from a year’s worth of fighting.

Back then, when winter struck, enemy armies traditionally hunkered down in winter encampments, keeping an eye on each other, but not much else. Valley Forge was such an encampment; no battles occurred.

The fledgling army was in deep trouble.

Plagued by inadequate food, clothing and equipment since the war began, and operating as a fragmented coalition of state militias with different fighting styles, the army’s future was in doubt. It would take all Washington’s strength and determination – and one Prussian – to create the crucible in which the soldiers and the army would be reforged.

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FARMLAND OVERRUN The beautiful rolling hills of Valley Forge, prime acreage long-tilled by farmers, were overrun by 12,000 soldiers who marched in on December 19, 1777. Ordered to build shelters that could house 12 men, they created what would temporarily become the fourth largest city in America, with 1,500 log huts and two miles of fortifications. Surround-

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ing forests were decimated, the land trampled, animals hunted until few remained, and local livestock depleted.

Close quarters, limited medical resources and diseases such as influenza and typhoid killed nearly 2,000 soldiers.

Washington and his officers were housed in a local farmhouse, owned by David Potts, close to the village of Valley Forge. In the five months they were encamped,

he focused on persuading Congress to reform the supply system to end the army’s brutal shortages, and on attracting more experienced officers to lead the militias.

Prussian officer Baron von Steuben was given the job of training the troops. He taught the soldiers new military skills and how to fight as a unified army.

These reforms in fighting tactics, along with changes to military hygiene and army organization are considered to be the foundation of

WHILE THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR WOULD LAST FIVE MORE YEARS, VALLEY FORGE WAS A KEY TURNING POINT.

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the modern US Army.

In May, Washington learned that the long-sought Alliance with France had been arranged, one that would infuse the campaign for independence with new resources and soldiers. The British evacuated Philadelphia, pursued shortly thereafter in June by Washington and his Continental Army. While the Revolutionary War would last five more years, Valley Forge was a key turning point.

NAVIGATOR

RECONSTRUCTING THE PAST The encampment had ruined the land, and the returning farmers wasted little time in dismantling the huts, and plowing under the defenses. By the following summer, Valley Forge had returned to productive farmland. A century later in the 1870s, a strong sense of patriotism and desire to honor the soldiers’ perseverance inspired citizens to preserve the historic region. Land was purchased, huts recreated, trails established, and the Park came into being – 3,500 acres of protected woodlands, meadows and historic landscapes dotted with monuments.

Today, history has been reconstructed. The best place to start is at the park’s Visitor Center. Fascinating archival displays show the soldiers’ lives, and an informative movie reveals intriguing insights. The park is best seen via the 10-mile automobile Encampment Trail. Although there are 35 miles of trails, the destination points are so spaced that I can attest it’s challenging to try and reach them all by foot. A seasonal trolley tour is available, as well as ranger tours; you can even rent bicycles.

Along the trails, there are clusters

A SCULPTED 1917 NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARCH OVERLOOKS THE GRASSY PARADE FIELD WHERE THOUSANDS ONCE MARCHED.

of old wooden cabins in which you can view how the soldiers were stacked like wood on bunk beds three high, squeezed beside a tiny fireplace.

Redoubts – earthwork defenses – bristle with sharp pikes and cannons that peer out toward distant Philadelphia. Stone monuments stand guard, presenting the different

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militias’ home states. A sculpted 1917 National Memorial Arch overlooks the grassy parade field where thousands once marched. Washington’s headquarters are tucked alongside the Schuylkill River.

Standing there among wind-stroked sighing grasses and trilling blackbirds, gazing downvalley, one tries to imagine the shouts and tramp of drilling soldiers, the reek of unwashed bodies, the odor of open-air fires, the loneliness of men far from families and home. Yet they all endured to become a part of a critical point in history where our nation’s future and democracy would be forged.

In celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday in 2026, the park will feature a variety of a period of celebrations and commemorations; it also marks their 50th birthday as a national park, which will also be celebrated with events and activities (nps. gov/vafo/planyourvisit/index.htm). ●

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

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FEATURE

By MARG JACKSON

HOSPICE HOSTS TREE OF LIGHTS CEREMONIES ACROSS THE 209

D

onations are being accepted now through the end of the year and ceremonies are planned in November and December for the annual Hospice of San Joaquin Tree of Lights program.

This event provides local residents the opportunity to recognize people who have impacted their lives, through the purchase of a memorial or honorary light dedication.

“It started in Stockton,” Hospice of San Joaquin Development Manager Liz Skinner explained. “Now it’s all over the 209.”

The popular catchphrase for the program is ‘Light Up a Light, Light Up a Life!’

The 2025 Tree of Lights ceremonies are scheduled as follows: Stockton, Nov. 25, 5:30 p.m., San Joaquin Delta College Ripon, Dec. 1, 6 p.m., Veteran’s Memorial Wall Escalon, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m., Main Street Park Manteca, Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m., Doctors Hospital of Manteca Lodi, Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m., City Hall Rio Vista, Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m., Main Street Lockeford, Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m., Highway 88 and East Jack Tone Road Tracy, Dec. 9, 5:30 p.m., City Hall Donations for the Tree of Lights help support Hospice of San Joaquin’s programs for terminally ill patients and their families.

Skinner added that the program is now in its 37th year and is going stronger than ever. Each community has its own special

I THINK IT’S JUST THE SPIRIT OF THE COMMUNITY, EVERYONE COMING TOGETHER TO ENJOY THE TREE.

gathering, and typically includes an invocation, a guest speaker, thanks offered to donors and then comes the countdown, from five down to one, with the tree then being lit and the sparkling lights aglow for all to see.

“When the lights go on, everyone cheers and screams,” Skinner shared.

“It’s very community-oriented and for a lot of people it has become a tradition.”

Director of Development and Marketing for Hospice of San Joaquin, Sandy Stoddard, added that though many of the lights are in memory of a loved one lost, the ceremonies scattered around the 209 are uplifting. She purchases a light each year for her mother, father and sister.

“It’s not a sad kind of thing,” Stod-

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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

dard said. “It’s a ‘let’s pause and remember’ and be happy with the season.”

She said some of the tree lighting ceremonies are hosted in conjunction with other community events, such as the Parade of Lights in Lodi and a small country fair in Lockeford.

“It started with a PG&E staffer who had lost his wife; they received services from Hospice and they created the first Tree of Lights at Delta College,” Stoddard explained of the initial ceremony more than 35 years ago.

Memory boards are created for each community as well, including the names of those who are represented by lights on the tree.

“Each one is unique,” Stoddard shared of the gatherings. “I think it’s just the spirit of the community, everyone coming together to enjoy the tree and gathering to remember those we have loved and lost.”

She said the Stockton event is by far the largest, with upwards of 500 people attending that gathering, while Lodi draws a big crowd as well.

The tree lighting ceremonies are also a cooperative effort, as the Hospice team works with officials in each city to coordinate the program. Often, said Skinner, the guest speaker for the ceremony is a family member of someone who has received services through Hospice, while special music is included as well.

Stoddard noted that invitations for the various tree lighting ceremonies go out in

October, giving people plenty of time to purchase a light and submit a name for the memory board in whatever community they attend the ceremony.

For more information, you can contact Hospice of San Joaquin at 209-957-3888 or visit the website, hospicesj.org “Just go to at least one,” Skinner urged of the Tree of Lights events. “There’s just such a sense of community … it’s really a powerful thing.” ●

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JUST GO TO AT LEAST ONE. THERE’S JUST SUCH A SENSE OF COMMUNITY … IT’S REALLY A POWERFUL THING.

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

FEATURE

For a festive vibe, stroll Ceres’ Christmas Tree Lane

By JEFF BENZIGER

F

or the past 64 years, generations of Valley residents have made the trek to Ceres to add to their Christmas celebration.

Ceres is known for its annual Christmas Tree Lane event, which kicks off its season the first Saturday in December. Since 1961, residents on Henry Avenue and Vaughn Street west of Smyrna Park selflessly spend days and sometimes weeks setting up dazzling lights, Christmas character cutouts, outdoor speakers for Christmas music and other features so that others can experience a free annual holiday tradition.

With each year, Christmas Tree Lane has progressively spilled into the adjoining neighborhoods on Caswell Avenue, Jewel Street and Leslie Lane.

For example, a few years ago a giant blow-up Santa towering over 30 feet appeared over the intersection

of Sixth Street and Caswell Avenue.

The Facey family purchased the gargantuan Santa from Amazon in 2022.

Christmas Tree Lane debuts this year following the annual Ceres Christmas Festival, organized by the city of Ceres Recreation Department, on Saturday, Dec. 6. The free event takes place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ceres Community Center, 2701 Fourth Street. The event will include crafts, face painting, writing letters to Santa, food vendors and free pictures with Santa. Free coffee and hot chocolate will be served and deserts but vendors will be on hand selling foods.

To officially usher in Christmas Tree Lane, a 7 p.m.parade will begin at Fowler and Moffet roads, work

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its way down southbound Rose Avenue, westbound on Garrison Street and onto Christmas Tree Lane on Henry Avenue and Vaughn Street, reversing its path from last year. Marching bands from Ceres High School (100-150 students) and Central Valley High School will lead the way through as surrounding streets will be closed to vehicular traffic. Dance groups from local dance studios, floats, commercial entries and police vehicles will be in the parade as well.

While the city does not allow

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

Ceres really knows how to sleigh a holiday tradition.

residents to sell their own food items, an approved list of vendors will set up in nearby Smyrna Park along Moffett Road.

The lane will only be closed to vehicular traffic on Saturday evening, Dec. 6 to accommodate pedestrians for that special night.

Among those who have made a stroll on the lane aChristmas tradition are Anthony and Cece Miranda with their children in tow.

Anthony grew up on Caswell and has been familiar with the Ceres tradition.

In 2023 the couple reported that their favorite yard was decorated in the 1993 “The Nightmare before Christmas” movie theme. Ian and Cindy Campbell chose the popular Tim Burton movie because it’s among their favorite holiday movies.

Other yards have celebrated with “National Lampoon Christmas Vacation,” Disney and the Grinch themes.

Since 2018, the Campbells have occupied the house once occupied by Ian’s grandparents, Herb

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and Betty Campbell who participated in Christmas Tree Lane before they passed away.

“It takes roughly a day to decorate the house and yard,” he noted.

“We just love it because we hear all the compliments about the house and hear all the kids excited, even the adults, too,” commented Cindy Campbell.

Last year was the first Christmas Tree Lane experience as homeowners for Vaughn and Gina Black who moved from Oakdale.

“We grew up in Ceres and loved this growing up,” said Gina. “We knew what we were getting into – I think.”

“I do all the cutouts and stuff and then she does the painting,” said Vaugh, a carpenter. “Painting and making them it probably took us three weeks.”

“It’s neat coming out here and seeing your neighbors, each one’s outside their fire pits with their families. That’s an awesome feeling. It’s neat to see. Plus since we’ve been here, all these neighbors we’ve talked to, everybody’s just been so nice.”

Christmas Tree Lane is something that can be enjoyed every night from Dec. 6 – either by car or walking – to Christmas Day. ●

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

209 Magazine Photo Gallery Series

Cutest Couples in the 209

Scan here 209 Magazine is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a Cutest Couples of the 209 Photo Gallery!

Submit your favorite photo with your partner and share your love with the community, and you could be featured in our February/March issue!

Submission deadline: January 28, 2026

to send us your pics!

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Snowfall and Silence

Experience snowshoeing in the 209 and see the winter wonderland

By DENNIS WYATT

O

ne of my best — and worst outdoor experiences — was a winter day in Yosemite.

A friend told me wilderness skiing in the Sierra was a great workout and an opportunity to experience pristine stillness.

Not exactly.

We headed to the Badger Pass Ski Area, the farthest point you can travel on Glacier Point Road in Yosemite when it closes due to snow.

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Long story short, it was awkward and exhausting.

I managed to hit my share of snow pockets given we weren’t on groomed trails. Snow pockets are just what they imply — snow above a pocket of air.

They are not fun to step on and then into.

It was an exhilarating and awkward experience to say the least.

My first — and admittedly limited — experience using snowshoes was at Lake Tahoe.

I was inspired to do so because I wanted a chance to repeat the honest-togoodness natural high of standing in the middle of a snow shrouded Sierra forest so still you can hear yourself think.

I discovered snowshoeing was a heck of a lot easier and more pleasant. It was almost as easy as walking on a hiking trail in the summer.

This is a preamble to what could be your best outdoors winter experience of the winter.

It’s snowshoeing at Calaveras Big Trees State Park at just below the 5,000 foot level.

Every Saturday in the winter, weather permitting, the non-profit California Big Trees Association conducts free Saturday snowshoe tours.

They even offer up to 30 pairs of snowshoes at no charge for guests to use. You can also bring your own by renting them elsewhere.

The snowshoe hike typically covers 1.7 miles round trip on trails and takes up to several hours.

They are led by guides.

The route varies based on conditions but typically includes a swath of the North Grove with its 100 or so giant sequoias.

There is a $10 vehicle entrance fee.

For more information, go to the Calaveras Big Trees Association website at bigtrees.org.

If you don’t want to risk not securing a spot or not lining up the use of free snowshoes, there is another option for your first snowshoeing experience. Just head farther up Highway 4 to around 7,000 feet in elevation.

It’s there that you will find Bear Valley Adventures.

It offers not just snowshoe and snow pole rentals if you lack them, but there are 38 trails of groomed trails on 3,000 acres compete with three warming huts. There are also three trails designed for kids.

There are day passes and, if you get hooked, season passes. They also sell snowshoes.

You can also cross country ski at Bear Valley Adventures Company.

More information can be found at bvadventures.com.

If you want more of a freelance experience, you can head up Highway 120 to Yosemite National Park.

In a sense, much of the 1,189 square miles in the park can be a winter playground for snowshoeing.

The closest, when snow is on the ground, is the Crane Flat area where there are trails leading to two groves of giant sequoias — the Tuolumne Grove and Merced Grove that have trails just 20 or so minutes past the Big Flat Oak entrance.

But if you need rentals and are a beginner, head to Yosemite’s Badger Pass Ski Area.

There are not trails per se, but there is the Glacier Point Road.

Covered in snow, it is clearly a path to the point with its world class views.

But with 10 miles to cover, you’re likely not going to make it up and back. It is, however, a good place to break into using snowshoes with short off road excursions into the woods.

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3,000 acres of pure snowy adventure Snow poles aren’t essential on the snow-covered road but they do help.

My “off-road” experience at Glacier Point was much easier with snow poles given there is not a solid base that a paved road provides.

It goes without staying sturdy shoes — boots preferably — that are waterproof is a must as are gloves, warm clothing and socks plus much of what you’d take on a normal hike such as water and even a head lamp.

Even though snowshoeing is less demanding than wilderness skiing, you can become dehydrated before you know it. ●

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

A Foot Above The Rest Inspiring California climber lived his dream in 2025

By MATT JOHANSON

Matt Johanson finished a 30-year effort to climb California’s tallest summits on Mount Williamson.

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scending California’s 15 highest peaks marks a great achievement for anybody, but it was thrilling for a climber who thought he was more likely to lose his foot than climb a mountain.

Mike Tagg of Thousand Oaks climbed all 15 of California’s 14ers (mountains at least 14,000 feet tall) within a fourmonth span this summer. Climbing even one 14er was unimaginable after he broke his foot in a skydiving accident ten years before.

“I was told by a surgeon I have very little articular cartilage left in my foot, that I will live in pain the rest of my life, and to give up all outdoor sport,” Tagg recalled. “I spent the next three years going through the darkest period of my life. I didn’t want to walk or move at all because to walk would mean hastening the degeneration of my foot leading to either fusion or amputation.”

Finally, Tagg decided to keep hiking and climbing despite the potential consequences. He learned to tape his foot and pace himself. He discovered climbing and summited Mount Whitney.

As Tagg built up his strength and experience over the years, he learned how much he could push without incapacitating himself.

Years of hope and preparation came together this year when he attempted California’s 15 tallest mountains, starting with Mount Shasta in June. Next came Mount Langley, Split Mountain, Mount Tyndall, Mount Williamson, Mount Sill, Middle Palisade, Thunderbolt Peak, Starlight Peak, North Palisade, Polemonium Peak, White Mountain, Mount Whitney (again) and Mount Muir.

Finally, Tagg completed the set on Mount Russell in Sequoia National Park on Sept. 17. Accomplishing what had appeared impossible gave him an “incredible” rush.

“Seven years ago if you told me I would have been able to do one 14er, let alone all the 14ers in a calendar year, I would have laughed in your face,” Tagg said. “I want to share this as a message in a bottle to anyone diagnosed with an incurable disease like osteoarthritis. There is hope. You can still do incredible things because the human body is a strange powerful machine that is built to adapt.”

California saw plenty of other good-news stories from the outdoors in 2025.

Dusty Baker, baseball legend and World Series winner as both a player and manager, won induction to the California Outdoors Hall of Fame. “Not only do I love it, but I need to be out there.

I just gotta be outdoors, There’s something about it,” said Baker, an accomplished fisherman and duck hunter. Baker became the first Black member of the group.

Catherine Breed became the first person to swim the 60-mile circumference of Lake Tahoe over five days. Climbers Kate Kelleghan and Laura Pineau became the first women to complete a coveted triple crown in Yosemite by scaling El Capitan, Half Dome and Mount Watkins all within 24 hours. And ultrarunner Olivia Amber raced atop the Sierra Nevada’s 13 tallest mountains, covering 105 cross country miles and gaining 40,000 feet, in a record time of 89 hours and 47 minutes.

Those who prefer to experience mountain exploits from the comfort of home will enjoy “Girl Climber.” The film follows standout climber Emily Harrington’s effort to climb El Capitan’s formidable Golden Gate route (36 pitches covering 3,000 feet, rated 5.13a) in less than 24 hours. She faces no shortage of hardships along the way. Viewers will enjoy the breathtaking cinematography and a rare female-focused climbing story. Find the movie at jolt.film.

Turning to the bookshelf, climbers will love “Rock Climbing Yosemite Valley,” Erik Sloan’s new guidebook including 750 free routes of all difficulty levels. Sloan has been living and climbing in Yosemite for more than 20 years and applied his experience to produce a book that’s both helpful and beautiful. I appreciate the inclusion of easy and moderate climbs; we don’t all lead 5.13a, after all.

Unfortunately, 2025 saw bad news for parks and forests, like Pres.

Trump’s mass firing of 4,400 rangers and other workers.

A long government shutdown and

Viewers will enjoy the breathtaking cinematography and a rare female-focused climbing story.

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Competitors begin The Great Ski Race beside Lake Tahoe.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

“Rock Climbing Yosemite Valley” guides readers to hundreds of routes.

budget cuts in the billions reduced staff on public lands even more, harming public lands and public safety.

But here’s better news: a widely-criticized effort to sell more than 3 million acres of public land failed in Congress.

Republican Sen. Mike Lee’s bill would have required the government to sell public property in California and other western states.

“Americans across the political spectrum have made it clear they oppose selling off the natural heritage of our public lands to fund tax cuts for bil-

Emily Harrington climbs El Capitan in a scene from “Girl Climber.”

Hikers start a long push on the Pacific Crest Trail.

lionaires,” said Athan Manuel, director of the Sierra Club’s Lands Protection Program.

Your scribe enjoyed some special moments outdoors in 2025, like competing in The Great Ski Race at Lake Tahoe; finishing far behind the leaders bothered me not at all.

Hiking 250 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail with friends and family was another thrill.

California’s 14ers called to me as well, and 30 years after I climbed my first, I finally com-

pleted the set, too. What Tagg did in four months took me three decades, but who cares?

I experienced mountain-sized joy achieving the summits with companions, finishing with perfect days on Mount Tyndall and Mount Williamson in July.

“Never settle and do whatever you need to do to keep the inner fire burning bright,” Tagg suggested.

That’s good advice to remember in 2026. ●

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Never settle and do whatever you need to do to keep the inner fire burning bright.

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

CRINKLAW FINE ART GARDEN STUDIO + GALLERY

Paintings & Hand Painted Ceramics

by Katherine Crinklaw, Artist

By Appointment:

209-573-3523 • Newman, CA 95360 katherine@crinklawfineart.com crinklawfineart.com

A PLACE CALLED HOME

Pet-friendly holiday decorating ecorating is one of the great joys of the holiday season.

Stores adorn their front-facing windows with amazing displays and homeowners often deck out residences from top to bottom with all measures of holiday wonderment.

Approximately 94 million households in the United States feature a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association. Many of those households will be decorating for the holidays and must figure out ways to keep homes safe for all residents — including those covered in fur. These tips can ensure a pet-friendly season with lots of holiday decor.

— Choose shatterproof decorations. Select shatterproof ornaments and other decorative items that are durable and non-toxic. Items made from felt, fabric or wood tend to be safer than items that can break.

— Pick pet-friendly plants. Poinsettias and mistletoe may be traditional, but they can be toxic to pets. Additional options like Christmas cactus can be safer. Artificial plants are another alternative to consider.

— Opt out of open flames. It is best to avoid traditional candles when pets are around. Instead, there are plenty of those powered by LED lights that even mimic the flicker of real candles.

— Avoid tinsel and ribbons. Digestive issues or blockages can affect pets who ingest tinsel or ribbons.

Select pet-safe ribbons or garlands, and skip the tinsel entirely.

— Avoid edible decor. Candy canes on trees or popcorn garlands are festive, but they may prove too tempting for pets to resist. Animals can get sick and may knock over the Christmas tree or other items to access the food.

— Secure decorative items. Position the Christmas tree in an area that is not easily accessible. Avoid putting it near furniture that can be used as a jumping-off point. Make sure the tree stand is sturdy enough to prevent tipping, and consider us-

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ing wire or string to tie the tree to a ceiling or wall anchor for further stability.

— Mind the scents. Some fragrances can be overwhelming or irritating for pets, so use scented diffusers or plug-ins sparingly. A simmering pot of cloves, cinnamon sticks and orange rinds can create a welcoming, all-natural aroma.

— Create a sanctuary. Try not to move too many of the pet’s creature comforts, such as favorite toys or bedding. If you must move these items out of the way, gradually introduce the pet to his or her new area, which can be set away from the hustle of the main entertaining area.

A pet-friendly holiday season involves being mindful of pets’ safety while decorating. ●

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

A PLACE CALLED HOME

when and how to plant

starts now

By SABRA STAFFORD

F

rom the rolling foothills of Tuolumne and Calaveras to the fertile flats of Merced and Stockton late fall in the 209 region signals the perfect time to plant daffodil bulbs for a vibrant spring display. Whether you’re gardening in Modesto, Manteca, Sonora, or Sutter Creek, daffodils (Narcissus) are a reliable, low-maintenance choice that thrive in the varied microclimates of Zone 9.

why daffodils work across the 209 Daffodils are beloved for their cheerful blooms, deer resistance, and ability to naturalize over time. They flourish in USDA Zones 8 and 9, which cover most of the 209 region— from valley towns like Stockton and Turlock to foothill communities like Jackson and Angels Camp. Their resilience and minimal care requirements make them ideal for both novice and seasoned gardeners.

Plant bulbs between late September and early November—before the first frost hits—to ensure proper root development. Choose a sunny or lightly shaded spot with well-drained soil. For containers, use pots with drainage holes and mix in sand to prevent rot.

Depth: Plant bulbs two to three times as deep as their height.

Spacing: Leave 4–6 inches between bulbs.

Aftercare: Deadhead spent blooms but leave foliage until it yellows to feed the bulb for next year.

creative planting ideas Naturalized Lawns: Toss bulbs across the grass and plant them where they land for a spontaneous, meadow-like effect.

Layered Containers: Combine daffodils with tulips (Tulipa) and grape hyacinths (Muscari) for staggered spring color.

Balcony Brighteners: Compact varieties like ‘Tête-à-Tête’ are perfect for small spaces and offer big seasonal charm.

fun facts • Daffodils symbolize new beginnings and hope, a welcome sentiment after winter.

• There are thousands of varieties, from petite jonquils to bold trumpet types.

• Many daffodils are fragrant, especially smaller-flowered varieties.

• They’re self-seeding, often returning in greater numbers each year.

Whether you’re planting in a backyard in Lodi, a hillside in Groveland, or a window box in Escalon, daffodils offer a timeless way to welcome spring with color, joy, and resilience. Plant now—and let the 209 bloom.

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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

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LODI • STOCKTON • TRACY MANTECA • MODESTO • TURLOCK

For store locations & donation hours: goodwill-sjv.org

Happy Holidays! from our

Costco Family to Yours

DO NOT THROW AWAY

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Accepting Household Goods Donations at all stores

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Finance & Layaway for the Holidays

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS • Appliances. • Plumbing • Counters • Cabinets • Mattresses • Flooring • Audio/Video • Automation & Control • Outdoor Equipment • Fireplaces VOTED BEST APPLIANCE STORE IN THE 209!

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FULL OF LIFE

Winter Reset

The

30 days to reclaim your energy, focus & joy

By SABRA STAFFORD

A

ports rest, recalibration, and inner work. According to wellness experts, aligning with seasonal rhythms—like embracing slower mornings and prioritizing warmth—can improve sleep, mood, and immunity.

Each day, choose one ritual. No pressure to be perfect—just progress.

As you move through the calendar, notice what rituals feel most restorative.

You might find yourself craving quiet mornings, deeper sleep, or more creative play. That’s the beauty of a seasonal reset—it meets you where you are.

So, light the candle. Take the walk. Make the soup.

This winter, let wellness be a return to yourself. ●

PHOTO BY ELLY FAIRYTALE/ Pexels

s the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, winter invites us to slow down, reflect, and restore.

Unlike the hustle of New Year’s resolutions, a winter reset is gentler—an intentional pause to realign with what nourishes us.

It’s not about overhauling your life. It’s about tuning in.

Whether you’re navigating post-holiday fatigue, seasonal blues, or simply craving clarity, this 30-day reset offers bite-sized rituals to help you feel grounded, energized, and inspired. From cozy home upgrades to mindful movement and digital decluttering, each day is a small step toward feeling more like yourself.

Winter naturally encourages introspection. With fewer social obligations and longer nights, it’s a season that sup-

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Winter invites us to slow down, reflect, and restore.

30-day winter reset calendar Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Light a candle and set an intention for the month

Drink warm lemon water before coffee

Do a 10-minute stretch or yoga flow

Write down 3 things you’re grateful for

Declutter one drawer or shelf

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Take a walk and notice 5 things in nature

Try a new herbal tea or adaptogen blend

Unfollow 5 accounts that drain your energy

Prep a nourishing soup or stew

Read a chapter of a book before bed

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14

Day 15

Journal about what you want to leave behind this season

Do a screen-free evening

Refresh your bedding or sleep space

Try a guided meditation or breathwork video

Make a DIY body scrub or bath soak

Day 16

Day 17

Day 18

Day 19

Day 20

Organize your wellness products or supplements

Do a 20-minute creative activity (drawing, baking, etc.)

Revisit your goals—what still feels aligned?

Make a comfort playlist and dance it out

Day 21

Day 22

Day 23

Day 24

Day 25

Try a new winter produce item (parsnip, persimmon, etc.)

Write a letter to your future self

Clean out your inbox or desktop

Create a cozy corner for reading or relaxing

Practice 5 minutes of silence or stillness

Day 26

Day 27

Day 28

Day 29

Day 30

Revisit your favorite childhood winter memory

Do a mini vision board or mood collage

Try a new sleep ritual (magnesium, lavender, etc.)

Reflect on what you’ve learned this month

Celebrate your reset with a treat or ritual you love

Call or text someone you miss

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FULL OF LIFE

BICYCLE HELMETS

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TAKE IT FROM A CRASH DUMMY IN TRAINING, THEY WORK!

By DENNIS WYATT

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

T

here was a time when people I rode with thought I was auditioning to be a crash dummy for bicycle helmet testing.

I broke no less than four bicycle helmets in my 30s.

The fact I walked away from several relatively mundane crashes — although I needed an ambulance ride and a trip to the emergency room after one spectacular downhill crash when I struck a loose dog that charged me when I was going 42 mph — caught the attention of Rex Osborn when he was a Manteca Police Department community service officer.

He enlisted me to join him in a bicycle safety assembly blitz of Manteca elementary schools.

I came dressed in cycling gear along with a flashy Greg LeMond rainbow jersey and a deceivingly boring looking titanium custom racing bicycle that the now defunct Delta Cycle in Stockton had no problem with making me $7,500 poorer to acquire.

That was back when I basically worked, exercised and bicycled — with three back-to-back years of 10,000 miles plus — and before I was married.

I also brought with me four helmets that I had broken during the crashes.

I never have — and never will — take anyone on a bicycle ride with me who is not wearing a helmet.

That said, I’d often go out on rides with other adults who on their own would go sans helmets around town although they did wear them on various treks to and from Knights Ferry, Milton, Tulloch Lake, the wind whipped California Aqueduct, Lockeford, Lodi, and Merced.

They chided me doing so in slow speed riding situations in town such as riding to a 7-Eleven.

Several changed their tune after I went down, as eventually did another rider months later, while slowing down to less than 10 mph to cross a railroad crossing on a country road at an angle.

My Waterloo was on French Camp Road near the cemetery.

I’d normally go into the travel lane a bit and then cut back into the shoulder area to cross as close as I could to a 90-degree angle.

It’s a wise move when you have 23mm wide racing tires that make the gap between the rail and either asphalt or concrete daunting to cross

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on an 18-pound bicycle.

I heard a car behind me, turned the wheel to clear the lane, and went down like a sack of potatoes while slowing down to less than 8 mph.

A CHP officer who was three vehicles back, said when he saw me go down, he was sure I would have suffered severe injuries.

All I ended up with was wounded pride, a cracked helmet that did its job, scrapes on one arm and a splitting headache.

I’m going to underscore that with the deaths of two adults who should have known better.

The first was a single mom and avid cyclist in Colorado Springs in the 1980s who was part of the effort to get a state law passed in Colorado requiring those under 18 who bicycled to wear a helmet.

A year later, while on a ride in town with her daughter, her front wheel got caught in a storm grate, she went down just right, and was killed when her head struck the concrete sidewalk. She was not wearing a helmet.

The other was closer to home in the 1990s and involved an avid cyclist who competed in amateur road races and criteriums.

He worked as an emergency room technician in Modesto.

While on a training ride on a country road, he got involved in a collision with a runner. He went down. He was not wearing a helmet. He died from head injuries.

I would not take Cynthia on a bicycle ride after we were married and initially lived on North Ripon Road unless she wore a helmet.

I had adjusted one of my road bicycles for her that she liked because it was a teal blue.

She didn’t want to look like a dork — her words and not mine

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FULL OF LIFE

— which meant the $10 to $30 helmets back in 1994 where a deal breaker.

On the other hand, helmets made for road racing where much cooler looking in both design and color plus were a lot lighter.

We went to Delta Cycle and she picked out a cutting edge blue helmet that was as light as could be and also lightened the proverbial wallet by $145.

I did not make a big deal out of the cost as I knew well enough that she’d say no way.

It was also lighter and $80 more than the helmet I wore at the time.

The price did not matter as she was pleased with the way it looked on her and I knew what not wearing a helmet could lead to.

I was also more than adamant that I wouldn’t take her on bicycle rides without her wearing one.

And I so wanted her to get at least semi-hooked on bicycling.

We ended up going on only one bicycle ride.

It ended after less than four miles when a loose and rather large German shepherd with non-stop guttural growling came charging at us from a nearby home as we bicycled down Van Allen Road.

I’d normally kick up the pace up to 22 to 25 mph to shake pursuing dogs.

I knew what was a no go with Cynthia.

I quickly assured her that we’d be alright if we stopped as it was the motion that was grabbing the dog’s attention.

For added measure, I put my bicycle between myself and Cynthia.

My unexpected reward was a bite mark on my calf and one on my thigh before the owner was able to call the dog off.

We never went bicycling together again.

And I never regretted the $145 helmet expenditure.

The reason was simple.

Every year there are bicyclists, who suddenly panic in unexpected situations such as dogs charging them, it’s

that panic, in taking evasive action that leads to crashes.

Without a helmet, some end up with serious injuries or dead.

That said, there is a right way to crash if you have the presence of mind and time to do it.

It is what kept the damage inflicted by my downhill encounter with a dog at 42 mph in the foothills near Auburn in 1989 to a minimum.

Cyclists — especially those that compete in closed circuit races known as a criterium — will tell you, that it’s not if you will crash but when you will crash.

Because of that, I knew I needed to keep as much control of the bicycle as I could in a downhill crash by going into a wrestler’s tuck.

I did two compete forward flips on the bicycle with my cleats still attached to the clip-less pedals, striking the pavement at least once with my head encased helmet, and ended up passed out for a good 30 minutes before an ambulance arrived.

The bottom line was I had a knee injury down to the bone but not broken per se, torn cycling shorts and jersey, and a cracked helmet that did its job.

Six days after being strapped to a backboard, I was back in an aerobics class, although I was moving gingerly.

I would have a second crash — with another bicyclist several years later — that earned me trip No. 2 to an emergency room on a backboard.

That time around, first responders were concerned I may have broken my neck.

Long story short, after several uncom-

ALITATEM FUGIT AD MODITAE. RIAMENDIS EST, EXPLICIAS QUATEM ET OCCULLORE SUSDAMET EATUR? QUI UT DOLORENT,

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fortable hours on a backboard that involved a Cat Scan, I was on my way home with another cracked helmet.

The point of all this — if I haven’t hammered it home hard enough — is everyone should wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, period.

Three other important points.

First, a helmet is virtually worthless if it doesn’t fit right and isn’t worn right.

Second, get rid of a helmet once you break it. (Or you could do what I did and save them to remind yourself they are worth every penny and more than you paid.)

Third, helmets need to be replaced periodically even if you don’t crash.

The recommendation from various safety experts and institutions is to replace them every five years.

Normal wear can have a toll.

Plus, changing technology means newer helmets tend to be even more effective at accomplishing their primary mission — protecting your head.

Take it from someone who can show a crash dummy a thing or two.

Bicycle helmets work. ●

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

MY HEALTH is our health My world is about to change. But don’t worry, little one—I’ll always advocate for you.

To our Wonderful Community

Happy Holidays

I’ve learned I need to care for myself too. The American Heart Association says cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer of new moms, and less than half of women enter pregnancy in good heart health.

KEEPING YOU WARM ALL WINTER

I’m not leaving that to chance. I’m talking to my doctor—because caring for me means caring for you.

from Wally Falke’s

Make sure you stay comfortable this winter with a heating tune-up from Wally Falke’s - only $69.50 69.50.* .*

My health is our health.

Call for a FREE 2nd Opinion

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1575 Lander Ave, Turlock, CA 95380 • (209) 632-7596 • wallyfalkes.com *exclusions apply

Warm holiday wishes Through the years, we’ve had the privilege of serving our community and being part of its growth and success.

It’s an honor to support the people and businesses who make this region such a special place to call home. From our Bank of Stockton family to yours, we wish you a holiday season filled with health and happiness, and a bright start to the new year ahead. We’re always here for you if you need us.

WITHSTANDING THE TEST OF TIME

A Snowy Mascot at the Firehouse-circa 1930 Hunter Street station firemen added whimsy to their firehouse in this photo which appeared in the January 13,1920 edition of the Stockton Daily Record chronicling the unusual snowfall that had happened overnight. Their cold guest was built from the 3-inches that covered most of Central California—the first snow in the area in 13 years—making the Valley into a winter wonderland.

Bank of Stockton was 63 years old at the time of this photo. bankofstockton.com

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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

MARKETPLACE

LODI CYCLERY MORE THAN JUST BIKES

By VINCE REMBULAT

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bike shop that serves up beer, wine, coffee, and some food options?

Lodi Cyclery near the heart of the downtown area at 9 North School St. has that and more.

It’s there as a bicycle supplier that the shop offers up repairs, tune-ups, and rentals for those riding on two wheels – both pedal and electric ones.

It’s also there where folks can gather and enjoy a cold one – local craft beer or glass of white wine – while escaping the heat of the valley, especially during the summer months of the Thursday night Lodi Farmers Market.

During these fall and winter months, Lodi Cyclery offers up a hot tea (London Fog, matcha, chai) of cup of joe from nearby Trails Coffee Roasters – they use fair-trade coffee beans from the family farm, Cerro de Jesus, in the mountain region of Northern Nicaragua.

The food menu includes avocado (Pico de Gallo and cotija), savory (salami, prosciutto, and mortadella), sweet (peanut butter or Nutella) and Spring seasonal (arugula, strawberry, and feta cheese) toasts, along with granola and cheese selections.

Open since January 2021, the bike shop was originally located in a strip mall on Ham Lane near Lockeford Street.

Back then, the owners, Brian Shirk – he’s an active member of the local cycling community and former triathlete – and his wife Karin, shared the place with resident shop dog, Ellie.

Their shop featured brands such as Giant, Cervelo, Bianchi, and Yuba cargo bikes, to name a few.

In spring 2023, Lodi Cyclery moved to its current downtown location. The move was later followed by the Shirks’ dream of featuring some of the local wineries and breweries.

Paul Yasaitis was a regular customer of the bike store at its first location.

He’s been his riding his road bike for over 15 years, doing the annual Iowa RAGRAI – a seven-day bicycle ride across the Midwest state – twice, and recently completing a ride

RO TABORA HAPPENED ALONG LODI CYCLERY THIS PAST SUMMER FOR THE FIRST TIME. from Paris to Amsterdam.

His Giant bike was damage in parking lot mishap in recent years.

Lodi Cyclery and Brian Shirk cane to his rescue, replacing his old aluminum fame with one made of carbon fiber. Yasaitis, who is a retired ag salesman, has put in thousands of miles on his “new” bike since then.

His word of mouth also introduced many of us to the cozy sitdown amenities at the bike store.

Included is live music featured on certain evenings including the

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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

Thursday night Lodi Farmers Market scene.

Ro Tabora happened along Lodi Cyclery this past summer for the first time. The Lathrop resident was wowed not just with the bikes – he, too, is bicycle enthusiast – but also hanging out in a relaxed atmosphere with a nice IPA brew in hand. ●

IF YOU GO Lodi Cyclery INFORMATION 209 36-7433 HOURS Tuesdays - Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

MARKETPLACE

VIDEO GAMES ON WHEELS Los Banos Gem Offering an Unforgettable Experience

By DALE BUTLER

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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026

VIDEO GAMES HAVE ALWAYS OFFERED ME AN ESCAPE

T

he Los Banos business brings the ultimate video gaming experience on wheels to birthday parties, barbecues and other special events throughout Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Merced, Tuolumne, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Marin and Napa counties.

“Growing up, I always dreamed of being a part of the video game industry,” said Los Banos resident Efrain Morales, 33, who purchased All American Mobile Gaming from Turlock’s Saul Benjamin in February. “What started as a childhood passion has now become a reality through my business. Over the years, my love for gaming evolved into a deep commitment to providing an unparalleled gaming experience. Today, as a father of four, I’m fortunate enough to share this journey with my family, balancing my role as a parent with my passion for the gaming world.”

The self-powered mobile gaming trailer is equipped with one PlayStation 5, one Xbox Series X, one Nintendo Switch and one Nintendo Switch 2, along with 100 assorted physical games and 24 wireless controllers. Games are played on six 55-inch flat screen televisions. The gaming trailer can accommodate 16 gamers inside and eight gamers outside.

“Our climate controlled air conditioning and heating system is designed to provide optimum

comfort at all times and in any type of weather,” Morales said.

The majority of All American Mobile Gaming customers range in age from 8 to 10 years old.

“The kids are amped up as soon as they see the trailer,” Morales said.

Their eyes are wide-open. They’re already in line as we’re trying to set up. They can’t wait to get inside.

The most-popular games are Fortnite and Roblox.”

Teenagers have also had a blast playing their favorite games in a unique way thanks to All American Mobile Gaming.

“It’s such a great idea,” Morales said. “Kids love it. We haven’t had any complaints.”

The cost to rent the gaming trailer for a two-hour weekend party Friday through Sunday is $479. Each additional hour is $159.

Cost for a two-hour weekday party Monday through Thursday is $439.

Each additional hour is $139. A $4 per-mile travel fee is also assessed.

“Our dedicated team of experts, with a wealth of knowledge and experience, works tirelessly to ensure customer satisfaction and deliver the ultimate gaming experience.”

Morales said.

All American Mobile Gaming also offers package pricing for special events.

“We’ve been pretty busy,” Morales said. “We can do multiple parties depending on the length of

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time. We prefer staying local but we also travel. We’ve been everywhere.”

Morales provided the mobile gaming experience to students at Riverbank Language Academy and Los Banos’ Charleston Elementary School in October.

“We do everything from birthday parties to street fairs to keep kids busy and entertained,” Morales said. “Seeing everybody get excited over video games is great. It’s the most rewarding thing.”

A gamer himself, Morales takes a great deal of pride in sharing his passion. He picked up a controller for the first time at the age of five and has fond memories of playing Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System during his childhood.

“Video games have always offered me an escape, a place to explore, and a way to connect with different worlds,” he said. “I’m proud to be able to offer that same experience to others through our business. We’ve built something special, and we look forward to continuing our growth, collaborating with clients, and sharing our love for gaming with a wider audience. It’s more than just a career for me—it’s a dream turned into reality, and I’m excited for the future.”

Hours of business are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call 209-535-7554.●

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