July 2011 by Lifestyle Magazine

July 2011

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2744 West Main, Visalia, CA 93291

559-667-4304

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PAGE

24 THE DUTTON HOME

ARTS Drawing inspiration from nature’s beauty Architect marries a love for composition with photography

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18 CULINARY Summer Fresh The good fortune of living in the Valley is never more obvious than when looking for fresh summer produce.

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34 CULTURE QUE ST A Coptic Holy Day

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44 4

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Letter from the Executive Editor

Business Cents

Word Play

Local Adventure

Travel: Alcatraz Island

Wine: Reds For Summer

Faces & Places: Night at the Races

Fashion: Bag Bug

Happenings

ON THE COVER: Denis Dutton’s Golden Reel Award is proudly displayed in the Dutton’s Visalia home. The Hollywood veteran worked on a variety of films and TV shows, from The Godfather to Flashdance, Laverne & Shirley to Shogun. ABOVE: Judy and Denis Dutton enjoy time in the garden of their Visalia home. The retired Hollywood transplants chose to build their home in Visalia for its central location between their sons’ families in Sacramento and Ventura, but have fallen in love with the town, they say.

JULY 2011 PUBLISHED BY DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 EDITORIAL Executive Editor Karen Tellalian Assistant Editor TAYLOR VAUGHN Copy Editor DARA FISK-EKANGER Content Editor Kyndal Kennedy ART & PRODUCTION Creative Director FERNANDO X. GOMEZ Senior Graphic Designer CHRIS BLY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS AARON COLLINS ANDRE GODDARD CAROLE FIRSTMAN DIANE SLOCUM LISA McEWEN MAJOR ROGERS ROBERT WHITLEY SHARON MOSLEY BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Malkasian Accountancy LLP Gary Malkasian CPA JEFFREY Malkasian EA Office Administrator Maria Gaston ADVERTISING SALES Advertising Director Bridget Elmore

RACK LOCATIONS

Borders Books Music & Cafè DMI Agency Evolutions Fitness Center, Tulare Tazzaria Coffee & Tea Tulare County Library The Lifestyle Center Visalia Chamber of Commerce Visalia Coffee Company Visalia Convention Center COUNTERTOP LOCATIONS

210 Cafe Advanced Laser Clinics Bravo Farms Cheese Factory Creekside Day Spa & Wellness Center Exeter Chamber of Commerce Exeter Golf Course Holiday Inn Kaweah Delta Hospital Red Carpet Car Wash Sequoia Laser Aesthetics Smiles by Sullivan Tiffany’s Luxury Medispa Tulare Chamber of Commerce V Medical Spa Velvet Sky Visalia Community Bank (Downtown) Visalia Eye Center Visalia Imaging & Open MRI Visalia Marriott Visalia Medical Clinic Wildflower Cafe-Exeter Dr. Keith Williams Williams, Jordan, Brodersen & Pritchett, Attorneys at Law Windows Plus, Inc.

SALES OFFICE 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • Fax 559.738.0909 E-mail: lifestyle@dmiagency.com See us online at advertisewithdirect.com/lifestyle

LEFT: A study in the Dutton’s Visalia home. scan with your smart phone!

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Visalia Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and is distributed via direct mail to nearly 13,000 homes in the upper-middle and high-income neighborhoods in Visalia and Exeter. An additional 2,000 copies are distributed at various distribution points around both communities. Views expressed in columns are those of the columnist and not necessarily those of DMI Agency or its advertisers.

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Show the World Your Smile. At the dental office of Mariya Grigoryan, your smile is our priority. We provide expert dentistry without lavish prices, and timely, attentive care, so you leave happy every time. We offer comprehensive care for the whole family: • periodontal care • restorative work • latest in advanced teeth whitening • laser treatment methods • orthodontics - braces and invisalign

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Mariya Grigoryan, D.M.D. 2634 W. Walnut Ave. Visalia CA 93277 p 559.732.7224

LIFEST YLE | OC TOBER 2010

EDITOR NOTE

Photo by Becca Chavez | Hair and Make-up provided by Velvet Sky

ou might be wondering about this month’s cover photo – certainly a variation from what’s normal for Lifestyle. Every month as we review hundreds of photos, our goal is the same; to showcase the soul of the home and tell the story of the homeowner. In that light, this month is no exception. Homeowners Denis and Judy Dutton were searching for a new place to call home after Denis retired from his 40-year movie and television career in Hollywood. Without knowing a single soul, they chose Visalia. Perhaps it’s because I originally planted roots here some 24-years ago after nothing more than a fine dining experience that I “get” first moving, then falling in love with this town. Please read how this couple is writing their life sequel beginning on page 24. It’s really not surprising – once people see the beauty of our area they decide to call Visalia home. Recently, I was reading about the top 100 most beautiful places in the United States and, as I browsed the pages adding to my bucket list, I found included were the majestic Sequoias just a few miles away. I think it’s easy to forget about the thousands of people who travel here each year from all over the world to experience what we often take for granted. Not so for local architect and photography enthusiast Larry Lewis, who has traveled and photographed “the world” but continues to be inspired by the beauty of the Sierras. For more of what inspires Larry and to see some of his work, be sure to turn to page 18. As most of us are readying for a trip up the hill to the Sequoias, or another summer vacation, it’s a good time to remember there are many here who are not able to do so. Please think about making a donation or getting involved in one of the many local non-profit organizations that provide basic necessities day-in and day-out. For a list of organizations that can use your help, please go to our Facebook page, www. facebook.com/lifestylemag, or scan the QR code on page 6. Life’s too short – do something great for someone else today! Like every month we are thankful that you’re here with us. It’s been a trying couple of years in the publishing business and we are very grateful to continue to be able to do what we love – bring out the best of what Visalia offers. A heartfelt thank you, and we look forward to seeing you again next month.

Karen Tellalian EXECUTIVE EDITOR

For more information or to submit a story idea email Karen@dmiagency.com or call (559) 739-1747 or fax (559) 738-0909.

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LIFESTYLE | JUNE 2011

B BUSINESS CENTS

What You Should Know About Market Corrections Text by Andre Goddard, Wells Fargo Vice President-Investment Officer

here is no way around it—markets generally move in cycles! Although the past is no guarantee of the future, historically, the stock market has spent more time on bullish advances than on bearish retreats – which is why stocks have been considered a good investment over the years. The market also tends to retrench more than the average investor would like to think about. The traditional definition of a bear market is a 20 percent or greater decline in stock prices as measured by the Dow Jones Industrial Average or other relevant index. A full-fledged bear market can persist for many months or, in rare cases, years. Some corrections, on the other hand, are sharp, but brief, lasting only a day or two—such as the Dow’s 500-point drop in October 1987 – or for a few weeks. Sometimes a short, dramatic decline serves as a prelude to a lengthier downturn. The 1929 crash and subsequent three-year bear market, which saw the Dow lose almost 90 percent of its value, illustrates this latter possibility. Government and securities-industry officials are constantly learning from their experiences with previous declines. Regulations established in the wake of the 1929-1932 bear market have helped prevent another decline of similar magnitude. For example, margin requirements were raised from 10 to 50 percent to prevent investors from becoming excessively leveraged (indebted) the way many were in the months leading up to the 1929 crash. More refinements were introduced after the 1987 correction, including our current system of circuit-breakers. In theory, these circuit-breakers would stretch out a decline over several days rather than allow it to gain momentum immediately. The assumption is that the additional time would help curb panic selling. Although the securities industry is committed to doing everything in its power to protect investors, it cannot prevent market corrections. It is essential for investors to take responsibility for their own investment activity and to arm themselves with as much knowledge as possible about the risks and potential rewards of investing. In the 1930s, the Cowles Commission, formed to guide investors through the aftermath of the 1929 crash, came up with five essential rules for successful investing, which are still applicable today: Invest for the long term. While the stock market can be risky over the short term, risk decreases as your investment time horizon lengthens. A good rule of thumb is that stock and bond investments should be funded with money you won’t

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need for at least five years. Some investors hope to improve their returns by selling a portion of their holdings just before a correction. Such “market timing” is something that even professional investors find difficult to do well with any consistency and is not recommended for the average investor. Aside from the very real difficulty of identifying the end of one market phase and the beginning of a new one, the basic emotions of greed and fear work strongly against those who attempt market timing, constantly tempting them to overstay their positions in a bull market and to remain on the sidelines for too long in a bear market. Invest systematically. One way to avoid the timing dilemma is to use a simple strategy called dollar-cost averaging—the practice of investing a fixed amount of money in a particular investment at regular intervals. Because the amount invested remains constant, the investor buys more shares when the price is low and fewer shares when the price is high. This means that the average cost per share tends to be lower than the average market value of the investment over the same period.

B BUSINESS CENTS

Dollar-cost averaging cannot eliminate the risks of investing, guarantee a profit, or protect against a loss in declining markets. The success of the program depends on making regular purchases through advancing and declining market periodsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and on selling when your investment is worth more than the average price you paid. Since such a plan involves continuous investment in securities, investors should consider their financial ability to continue purchases through periods of low price levels. But dollar-cost averaging does offer a disciplined method of investing in the securities markets and lowers the price you have to get to break even. Diversify investments. When people think about investing their money, they probably envision themselves comparing the merits of various investments. But before they get to that step, there is a more basic decision to make: asset allocation. Asset allocation is the percentage of investment funds an investor allocates among asset classes such as stocks, fixed income, cash equivalents, and tangibles/real estate. The decision is an important one. A study of large pension funds determined that a pension managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s allocations among asset classes had a far greater long-term effect on returns than the individual securities selected. Of course, asset allocation or investment timing cannot eliminate the risk of fluctuating prices and uncertain returns. Buy quality. Periodically, investors become enamored with initial public offerings (IPOs). For those who know how to invest in them and understand the risks, IPOs can be an appropriate investment. By definition, however, IPOs involve companies whose stocks are untested in public trading. The average investor should approach this arena with extreme caution and commit no more than a small percentage of investment capital to it. At the other end of the spectrum are the many companies with histories of consistent sales and earnings growth. Although nothing is guaranteed in the investment markets, there is a lower probability that such companies will drop off the investment map during a correction. Rather, a correction presents investors with

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the opportunity to acquire more shares of historically seasoned, financially sound companies at reasonable prices. Get professional advice. Each investor brings a different outlook and level of sophistication to the markets. Most investors can benefit from some degree of professional input. Whether that means professional research on individual securities, advice on asset allocation, or entrusting money to professional portfolio managers, investment professionals are great resources for helping investors achieve their financial goals. Particularly during corrections, it helps to have a coherent investment strategy worked out in advance and to be able to keep that strategy clearly in mind as events unfold. A qualified investment professional can help plan a sound investment strategy. This article was written by Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Andre G. Goddard, Vice President-Investment Officer at 559-636-8590. Investments in securities and insurance products are: NOT FDICINSURED/NOT BANK-GUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE. Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

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WORD ADVENTURE PLAY L LOCAL

NEWS ON WRITING, BOOKS AND THE WORLD OF PUBLISHING Text by Diane Slocum

e all know that Independence Day is in July, but how about Canada Day, Idaho Day and Ice Cream Day? Get a light-hearted look at Canada’s influence on its southern neighbor in The U.S. of EH? How Canada Secretly Controls the United States and Why That’s OK by Kerry Colburn and Rob Sorensen (Chronicle Books, September 2008). The book provides laughs while claiming that 70 percent of everyday American life—from Superman to macaroni and cheese—is already Canadian. Idaho may not be the state most celebrated in song and story, but that’s all the more reason to explore It Happened in Idaho, 2nd: Remarkable Events That Shaped History by Randy Stapilus (Globe Pequot, Second Edition, October 2010). The book takes readers from the ancient crafters of Clovis points through boom towns and riots. Ice cream is king in a number of children’s stories. In fact, author Steve Metzger and illustrator Julie Downing named their recent book The Ice Cream King (Tiger Tales, March 2011). In it, a little boy learns the amount of ice cream you have isn’t as important as who you share it with. For other ice cream themes, look at Ice Cream: The Full Scoop by Gail Gibbons, From Cow to Ice Cream by Bertram T. Knight, The Sundae Scoop by Stuart J. Murphy, and an old favorite, Curious George Goes to an Ice Cream Shop by H. A. Rey. Valley Writers Who Gets to Ride: Cowboy Poetry by Robert R. Brown (Brave New Genre, Inc., April 2011) does tell the stories of Old West cowboys, but Brown’s pen also takes on gunmen on the right and wrong side of the law, prospectors, Indians, the women these men dreamed of, and women who were more than a match for them. Most Bob Brown rhymed verse stories end with a twist that the reader may or may not see coming. His poems can bring on laughter and tears, and often an ironic sense that justice can come when you least expect it. Brown grew up on an east Sanger ranch and spent over 30 years in the California Highway Patrol. Ride is Brown’s first stand-alone volume, but he has also been published in Cowboy Poetry Matters from Storyline Press. Read the Book Or in the case of Judy Moody, read the books, plural. Judy Moody is a character in a series of books by Megan McDonald. The first is titled simply Judy Moody. It is followed by titles in which Judy gets famous, saves the world, predicts the future and more. Out this summer is the movie Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer and the books that tie into it, including the book of the same title, The Thrill Point Race and A Poop Picnic. Contests Entries will be accepted Aug. 15–April 1, 2012 for the Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry contest. Prizes are $1,500, $800, and $400 for the top three entries. Twelve honorable mentions will receive $75 each. All 15 will be published on WinningWriters.com. Winners of the contest that ended this April will be announced on Aug. 15. Details at: www.winningwriters.com/contests/wergle/ we_guidelines.php. 14

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Entries for the Writers’ Journal Science Fiction/ Fantasy contest are due November 30. Prizes are $250, $100 and $50, plus publication. A 2,000-word maximum. Fee $7. The third-prize winners of this contest in 2009 for their story “If the Dead Could Return” were Loren and Paula Aiton of Hanford. Conferences Applications are being accepted for The New York Pitch Conference on Sept. 22–25. Registration fee prior to Sept. 1 is $595. The conference provides the opportunity for participants to have their manuscripts read by acquisition editors from major publishers. Participants will also learn latest trends, how to improve their manuscripts and how to pitch their work. Details at http:// newyorkpitchconference.com/pc-howitworks.htm. Boucheron mystery convention will be held Sept. 15–18 in St. Louis, MO, at the Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel. This event is for fans and writers alike. It is named for mystery critic Anthony Boucher. The founders of the conference, which has been held annually since 1970, chose St. Louis for the conference since it is centrally located for attendees from all over the country. Guests of honor include Robert Crais, Charlane Harris, Val McDermid, Sara Paretsky and Colin Cotterill. Registration $175. Details: www. bouchercon2011.com. Publishing Jill Abramson will become the first female executive editor of the New York Times when she replaces Bill Keller who will return to writing full time. For a list of book publicists, go to www.authorlink.com/about/ book-publicists.php. Publicists help with marketing, making contacts and building a reputation. Authorlink also allows members to pitch their books, television and film ideas online. The Last Word “Educate and inform the whole mass of the people ... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.” -Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)

L LOCAL ADVENTURE

The Tulare Historical Museum & Tulare County Museum

ypically, the word “adventure” brings to mind trails, trees, sweat and the possibility of scraped knees. But in these hot summer months, another kind of adventure can take place in a cooler, climate-controlled environment – no perspiration necessary. The Tulare Historical Museum and Tulare County Museum are ripe with opportunities to discover the people and events that make Tulare County what it is today. Since 1985 the Tulare Historical Museum has brought the people of Tulare and surrounding cities a place to connect with their roots in an interactive and educational setting. For just a few dollars, the public is welcome to roam the galleries and rotating art exhibits with a trained docent who is happy to share with you the extraordinary history of Tulare. Uncover the lives of the Yokut Indians who first settled the land we now see dotted with rows of corn and cotton, towering buildings and outlet malls; the pioneer families who settled here on their move west; the “heroes” who brought fame and honor to our area; and the photographs, uniforms and artifacts of soldiers who defended their hometown throughout the rest of the country and abroad. Not just for history or art buffs, the museum also has something for the sports fan as well, including a celebration of Bob Mathias and Sim Iness, two Olympic Gold Medalists, in the hero gallery. Just a few miles north you can continue this historical adventure at the Tulare County Museum, located at Mooney Grove Park. This park encompasses the history of Tulare County, indoors and out. The old museum, in existence since 1948, features similar artifacts as the Tulare Historical Museum, including Yokut Indian artifacts and a pioneer collection, but also adds exhibits focusing on the history of Visalia and history of the Railroad system. The new museum, known as the Tulare County Museum of Farm Labor and Agriculture, houses a rotating gallery that features the 16 different cultural groups that have been influential in the development and prosperity of our local agriculture. Located outside in the park, you can find various agriculture equipment from the plow to more modern pieces of machinery; a pioneer village including two school houses, two residences, the first Visalia jailhouse and even more! Although rafting down a river and scaling mountainsides is definitely a thrilling adventure, touring the museums in our home towns allows for an adventure of the mind and imagination – all while keeping out of the summer heat. Other notable places to discover the history of our area include the Antique Farm Equipment Museum at the International AgriCenter in Tulare; Porterville Historical Museum or Zalud House in Porterville; Three Rivers Historical Museum; and the Springville Tule River Museum. For more information, visit: www.tularecountyhistoricalsociety.org and www.tularehistoricalmuseum.org.

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A ARTS

drawing

Architect marries a love for composition with photography Text by Lisa McEwen | Photos by Larry Lewis

arry Lewis believes in capturing the moment and he isn’t afraid of the obstacles that often spring up in between him and his lens. For more than 40 years, Lewis has been trekking throughout the world, camera and gear slung over a shoulder, to photograph the beauty of Earth. Experience has taught him to seize the opportunity for perfect lighting because in an instant, it can disappear. Whether he’s approaching a moose in Montana or hiking through severe weather in the Sierra Nevada to document snow on a rigid peak, Lewis will jump hurdles for an elusive shot. 18

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“One of my best stories happened when I was staying at a guest ranch in Montana,” Lewis recounted during an interview in his Downtown Visalia office, where framed images of his travels line the walls. Lewis was with a group of tourists and a wrangler from the ranch when he spotted a moose. “I grabbed my equipment. I knew moose are dangerous, and I looked for any little ‘moosies’ that might be around. Seeing none, I took off to shoot the moose. I had my escape route planned, which meant that I would dive in the lake if I needed to. The wrangler started yelling, calling me a ‘stupid Californian.’” Meanwhile wife Deirdre, who accompanies Lewis on his

ARTS A

inspiration

photography expeditions, calmly told the wrangler that rescuing her husband wasn’t going to be necessary. “The others in our group asked me if I knew that moose are good swimmers and can swim three miles an hour. And I said, ‘That’s fine, I can swim four miles an hour with a moose on my tail!’” Lewis said. “The moral of the story is, don’t mess with the photographer!” In the end, Lewis snapped a beautiful side-shot image of the moose. For fun, he also got a side-shot of the wrangler and using Photoshop, superimposed the wrangler so it appeared he was riding on the moose. He sent the photo to his fellow vacationers as well as the wrangler. Everyone loved it but, fittingly, Lewis never heard back from the wrangler. Having fun is what Lewis loves most about photography. He bought his first camera, a Brownie 120, as a young boy, and has never been without one since. After graduating in 1966 from Mt. Whitney High School, he attended college at Washington State University.

from nature's beauty

He spent a year after college traveling throughout Europe, taking photos in countries such as Cyprus and Turkey. The father of three, who just welcomed his first grandchild in June, is often on the go, driving throughout the western United States to photograph what he considers the most beautiful places in the world. In particular, he can’t get enough of the Sierra Nevada. He has published a book of photographs from the region, “The Sierras: An Architect’s View of God’s Architecture.” From the clear, summertime peaks of Mt. Whitney shot from Lone Pine, to sequoias covered in winter snow in Grant Grove, Lewis’ talent for producing stunning landscape photography shines through.

ABOVE: Yokohl Valley - photographed Spring of 2009

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A ARTS

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PICTURED: Yosemite Falls - photographed Spring of 2011

Protect Your Pro r tectYo ro Y Yo ur Heart r rt The first in the Central Valley Area to offer Cardiac PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Myocardial Perfusion Scanning Using Rubidium-82.

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A ARTS

ABOVE: Yosemite Valley - photographed Winter of 2009

The book also features inspirational quotes from world leaders and the Bible, Lewis’ source for inspiration. “I see God’s hand in what I photograph. For me, there is no question,” he said firmly. Though the scenery is stunning, Lewis is reminded with every shot that, like a building must balance, so should an image. “I thrive on criticism and competition, because both make you better,” he said. “The hardest thing to get used to is that people like my photographs. I look at a photo so differently. I want to know how I can make it better.” To that end, he meets with a small group of fellow photographers weekly to share tips, insight and constructive advice. They also go on photo shoots together. “Everyone has the talent to take great photographs,” he said. “You just have to have the interest and desire to do the best you can. Everyone says I have such a talent, and really, I just pay more attention to the little details. Being an architect, I do have a bit of an advantage because I can see the relationship of forms.” One place the public can view Lewis’ photographs are the halls of Kaweah Delta Medical Center. “People tell me the photographs give them peace of mind, and that’s the best compliment I can receive,” he explained. “When people look at my photos, I want them to feel like they’re there. I don’t want them to feel stress; I want them to

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feel calm. I am honored when people make comments like that. It makes me feel good.” Lewis, a member of the County Center Rotary Club in Visalia, gives credit to his father, Bob Lewis, for his desire to be the best he can at all his endeavors. He also learned the importance of giving back to the community from him and serves on the boards of several nonprofits, including the Police Activities League, Hospice of Tulare County and the Joshua Smallwood Testicular Foundation. Lewis can be seen giving talks to civic clubs about his photography as well. Over the years, Lewis has experienced photography’s transition from film to digital images. “I fought it for several years, because the quality wasn’t there and it was so expensive.” But he caved when he bought a D100 Nikon. “I jumped in with both feet and I’ve never looked back.” One of the benefits? “Now I can sit at my computer, listen to Led Zeppelin and drink coffee while working on photographs. Before, my wife would tell me before going to bed to take a shower because I smelled like stop-bath from the darkroom.” As for the future, Lewis said he has his long-range sights on Iceland and Alaska. This summer will see him travel to May Lake, the Boulder Creek area of Montana, and hiking from Alta Meadow to Moose Lake via Wolverton to photograph the Great Western Divide. “I’m having fun,” Lewis said. “Life is short and I’m enjoying it.”

H HOME TOUR

from

Golden Age Tex t by A aron Collins | Photos by Forrest Cavale, Third Element Studios

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HOME TOUR H

GoldenYears

HOLLYWOOD COUPLE WRITES A NEW EPISODE. L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 0 1 1

H HOME TOUR

enis and Judy Dutton are unlikely – one could even say random – Visalians. They hardly see residence in their new town as a quirk of luck, however. After Denis retired from a 40-year career in Hollywood working on such films as The Godfather, Wall Street, Mommy Dearest, and Flashdance, and television shows like Laverne & Shirley, Shogun, Little House on the Prairie and Murder She Wrote, among numerous others, the Duttons were scouting a suitable location for their post-retirement sequel. Their choice? Visalia, where they had no connections, born of no greater romantic notion than the city’s equidistance between their two sons’ homes in Ventura and Sacramento, respectively. The process was not exactly throwing a dart at a wall map, but close enough. But such terms would be to discount their faith that a higher power had a hand in their choice. Once they hit town, they fell in love with it. “We did not know a soul when we moved here five years ago. We just wanted to retire to a sweet, small community and travel between our two sons and their families,” said Judy. “Now, we absolutely love Visalia. And we have had many of our Southern California friends and family to visit during these five years. Our guests keep returning as they, too, have fallen in love with this community close to the Sequoias and the coast – Cambria, Carmel, and San Francisco.” They also like being equidistant between the Sequoias and the ocean, according to Denis. He agrees with Judy’s assessment. “We have literally fallen in love with Visalia and the Central Valley. Our home is located right on the city limits, and we can see the

High Sierras and agriculture fields from our backyard,” he said. “We really feel that we are living in the middle of God’s country.” Driving past their modest but pleasant home, one would never guess at any Hollywood back-story. Tinseltown may be just three hours south, but culturally, Visalia is a galaxy far, far away from the world entertainment capital. Entertainment industry people are around, but they’re somewhat rare despite Visalia’s proximity to Los Angeles. Equally unexpected is another family connection. Judy’s mom, born a Schwarzkopf, was a first cousin of Norman Schwarzkopf, one of the most notable military generals of the modern era. Most anyone old enough to recall Desert Storm (the first Iraq War) will recall his name. Once inside the home, the Duttons’ Hollywood roots become apparent. Because Denis and Judy grew up during the Golden Age of Hollywood with parents working in the entertainment industry as writers, publicists and sound engineers, their home is a veritable museum offering a photographic record of the celebrities of yesteryear. Photos show their beaming smiles alongside actors like Jimmy Stewart, Bob Hope, Jean Harlow … the list goes on. Even America’s Sweetheart – the original one, silent screen goddess Mary Pickford – appears, bringing to mind one of Gloria Swanson’s many famous lines in the Hollywood classic Sunset Boulevard: “We didn’t need dialogue; we had faces!” In the Dutton home, silent faces appear everywhere, nonetheless still telling stories about celluloid’s glory days and describing the Duttons’ parents’ former place behind the scenes but very much among its constellation of stars.

PREVIOUS SPREAD: The home office is a trove of photos from Hollywood’s Golden Years that show Denis and Judy Dutton’s parent’s mingling among the stars who were their friends and neighbors.

ABOVE: The master bedroom of Denis and Judy Dutton's home in Visalia.

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H HOME TOUR PICTURED: The dining room of the Duttons’ Visalia home is a study in traditional motifs.

While scores of people get happenstance brush-with-fame photos snapped alongside the famous, these were shots made among friends. Judy’s godparents’ name might ring a bell: Edna and Roy Disney (brother of Walt), who lived just a few blocks away from Judy’s family home. So her brushes with fame were much more than just a day at the office; the family’s Toluca Lake home often hosted those A-list celebrities of the day. “When I was a child, our home was always open to friends in the industry: Jimmy Stewart, Bill Holden, Olivia de Havilland, to name a few,” Judy recalled from among the regular visitors. Her mother, Kay Mulvey, worked for Disney Studio among others, and even hosted her own television show in TV’s infancy, called Kay Mulvey’s Open House, an early day talk show prototype that was equal parts Oprah and Martha Stewart. “She interviewed anyone from ‘preachers to prostitutes,’ to quote my mother. She had as guests designers, restaurant owners (like Mike Romanoff from the famed Romanoff ’s Restaurant), to Bob Cobb from the Brown Derby. She had many famous artists,

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H HOME TOUR ABOVE LEFT: Mementos from a life in Hollywood abound throughout the Dutton home. While many collect Disney memorabilia, few, as Judy does, can call as their godparents the Disneys, Edna and Roy, brother of Walt. BOTTOM LEFT: The Dutton’s Visalia home features among other interesting items a slot machine that was a hostess gift to Judy Dutton’s mother, a longtime Hollywood insider and frequent entertainer who once hosted an L.A. TV show that was “part Oprah, part Martha Stewart,” Judy says.

writers and stars as well. She emphasized gracious living and entertaining on a lavish scale,” Judy said. Denis’s connection to the industry came via his father, who moved to Los Angeles from Massachusetts in the late ’20s, working for a brief time as a teller for the Bank of Italy. While cashing a patron’s check he noticed that it was from Paramount Studios and inquired if they were hiring. Shortly after, in 1927, he was hired to scrape paint off of scene backdrops. When talkies began he moved into sound recording. Forty-one years later he retired as Director of Sound for Paramount Pictures. Denis was born in North Hollywood and attended the University of the Pacific after which he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force with a brief tour in Vietnam. Two years after his discharge, he married Judy. They moved to Woodland Hills where they lived in the same home for 37 years before moving to Visalia. They brought a little of their Los Angeles history with them when they relocated to Visalia. In addition to antiques and heirlooms from the Dutton and Schwarzkopf clans, interesting items in the home include a slot machine that was a hostess gift to Judy’s mother during her days with MGM in the 1920s. The Dutton home is a fairly standard issue Centex plan, but they’ve made it their own by adding accent painting and a variety of gadgets, ceiling fans, light fixtures, Ethernet connections, timers and remote controls. Said Denis, “When doing work on our home I try to pay great attention to detail. I have found that most people don’t actually realize the work, but it is the overall observation that makes the difference.” Being the third of five generations of Denis Duttons means lots of photos, in addition to the Hollywood mementos. In Sunset Boulevard, Gloria Swanson’s character lives frozen in her mind at the peak of her glamorous Hollywood past. But despite the Duttons’ former lives among the glitterati, they are living with their feet firmly planted in the humble present. “I had a fortunate and blessed childhood, but it is all in the past. Our emphasis now is on our faith, family, friends – and finishing well and, having fun!” Judy said. “We have found a wonderful church, Parkside Chapel, and love having our new friends in our home from time to time. We have been so warmly received by our church friends and this delightful community and we are so grateful for that.” So their latest episode is quite a world away from their former Hollywood lives. But as film buffs know, art imitates life and vice versa. Even glamour-obsessed Norma Desmond ventured beyond Sunset Boulevard and leapt the great cultural divide of the Tehachapi Mountains for a distant piece of God’s country: She picked herself up a few oil wells in Bakersfield.

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PICTURED: The rear garden of the Dutton home centers around a naturalistic water feature, echoing the Sierra Nevada visible just over the fence.

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Recipes by Watson’s Veggie Garden | Photos by Taylor Vaughn

SUMMER FRESH

he good fortune of living in the Valley is never more obvious than when looking for fresh summer produce. The abundance of fruits, vegetables and herbs presents a dilemma of its

own, however – how to combine so many delectable tastes into creative and original dishes. This month’s recipes will help you solve that dilemma!

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if you’re looking for something that will fill you up without weighing you down, this Roasted Eggplant Sandwich fits the bill!

Roasted Eggplant Sandwich Makes 4 Sandwiches 1 large eggplant, 1/4-inch slices 3 cloves garlic, chopped Spike® (low-sodium seasoning) 4 oz. light cream cheese 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 1 large tomato 2 C clover sprouts 4 sprouted, whole-wheat hamburger buns balsamic vinegar dressing non-stick cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Spread eggplant in a single layer; spray the top of the eggplant with cooking spray. Sprinkle with chopped garlic and Spike® . Bake eggplant for 10 to 15 minutes. Once eggplant has roasted, layer three to four slices per hamburger bun. Top with two tablespoons cream cheese, three slices red bell pepper, three rings of onion, two slices of tomato and season with Spike® . Return to the oven to bake for 10 minutes. Add the top buns for the last few minutes to toast. Top with sprouts and serve balsamic vinegar on the side. Enjoy warm. L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 0 1 1

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Classic Lavosh — with peppers, onions, tomatoes and more, this recipe will leave you inspired to continue discovering new ways to experience the bounty of summer!

Classic Lavosh Serves 8

1 sheet Lavosh Cracker Bread Low-fat ranch dressing 4 pieces of green leaf lettuce 1 C jack cheese, grated 1/2 red pepper, thinly sliced 1/2 green pepper, thinly sliced 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced 1 avocado, sliced 1 large red tomato Spike® (low sodium seasoning) 1 C clover sprouts balsamic vinaigrette, optional Prep Lavosh Bread Lay a clean, damp towel on a cutting board; place Lavosh bread (light side up) on towel. Cover with a second clean, damp towel. Cover entire board in a plastic bag and let set over night. Making the Lavosh Lay softened bread (light side up) down with long side toward you; cut vertically down the middle. Spread ranch dressing on bread; lay lettuce on bottom portion. On lettuce, stack cheese, peppers, onion, cucumber, avocado, tomato, Spike® and top with sprouts. Hold all veggies in place and roll toward the top, away from you. Cut roll into four pieces and serve with balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

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With a new twist on a popular Middle Eastern dish, Garden Tabbouleh incorporates quinoa (pronounced â&#x20AC;&#x153;keen-waâ&#x20AC;?), a grain-like seed native

Garden Tabbouleh

to South America.

Serves 6-8 / Gluten Free

1 box or 2 C quinoa (in cheesecloth or fine strainer, rinse quinoa well to remove bitter coating) 1/4 C lemon juice 1/4 C olive oil 1 T ground cumin 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper 2 tsp. sea salt 4 C picked parsley 2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 green onions, chopped a few sprigs of mint (optional) 1 large tomato (chopped, no juice or seeds) 1 cucumber (peeled, cored and seeds removed)

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Cook quinoa according to package directions. Mix quinoa with lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, cayenne and sea salt; set aside. Put parsley, garlic, green onion and mint into food processor. Chop (do not over chop). Gently stir in parsley mixture to quinoa, then add chopped tomato and cucumber. Season accordingly.

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PICTURED:Bill Allen's "A Victorian Birdhouse"

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Text by Kyndal Kennedy | Photos by Becca Chavez

ith the mission of helping every man, woman and child live in a decent home, Habitat for Humanity’s 6th Annual Bird House Auction, held May 13, surely provided many future families with just that. And it’s all thanks to the generous donations from supporters of the organization who came out in droves to the Tulare County Fairgrounds for this annual event. Since this event began six years ago, fun and artistic birdhouses have been created by artists, doctors and many other members of the community eager to help out an organization that so readily helps others. This year, 13 beautiful and whimsical birdhouses were on the auction block. Dr. Bill Allen broke the record with his ornate birdhouse, A Victorian Birdhouse, selling for $900. Paul Green came in second with his birdhouse, Woodpecker Inn, earning $825. Also on display were small $10 birdhouses painted by children and volunteers at the Boys & Girls Club. Habitat's Resource Development Director, Deanna Saldana, hopes to see more of them in the future, and looks forward to more involvement with local youth organizations – a great way to encourage community involvement at an early age. The evening raised $53,000. Habitat is eager to put the money toward their highly successful “Brush With Kindness” program where Habitat, along with the homeowner, works to repair and improve the homeowner’s current residence. Since its implementation, “Brush With Kindness” has made improvements to 100 homes in Tulare County. Homeowners are eligible to participate in the program based on the condition of the home, their income, and a demonstration of challenging

circumstances such as disability, illness or age that would prevent them from doing the work themselves. If physically able, the homeowners are required to work alongside volunteers and thus contribute “sweat equity” to the project. Volunteers are recruited through businesses, congregations and community groups; other volunteers are often neighbors and loved ones of the families or individual whose home needs a little tender loving care. Saldana related a story of love and care demonstrated from one neighbor to another. When a woman’s water-pump broke, she was charged $95 for the inspection alone, and to have the pump fixed was going to cost around $1,000. The woman’s neighbor got word of the problem and knowing the woman would not be able to handle this financial burden, called Habitat for Humanity. Habitat agreed to pay for the service with the understanding that the woman or the neighbor would pay them back as they were able. Today, the woman’s neighbor pays Habitat $30 a month to pay off the service. Something that makes Habitat such a thriving and honorable company is that they do not charge interest on the services they give, and homeowners’ payments do not exceed 30 percent of their income. Originally an organization focused on building homes from the ground up, Habitat has changed its structure to include more cost-efficient and beneficial projects and programs, like “Brush With Kindness.” Just as any other business, Habitat has had to adapt to the changing economy and housing industry. In 2008, it took a new path and started purchasing foreclosed homes, renovating them and selling them to qualifying families, thus increasing the number of families they were able to help. This “Rescued Homes” program benefits those who have an annual

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community. The many people that we have served we couldn’t have helped without our partners in the community,” explained Saldana. With all that Habitat for Humanity of Tulare County does right here in our own community, it’s no wonder why the 6th Annual Birdhouse Auction was such a great success. It’s because of the generous donations of time and money put forth by the volunteers, sponsors, staff and guests involved in the organization that many in our community are able to say with pride that they live in a decent home.

income of less than $25,000 as well as other criteria such as legal citizenship in the United States. Habitat’s building materials thrift store, ReStore, sells donated materials and supplies at a discounted rate. The funds Habitat receives at events like the Birdhouse Auction are put directly back into the funding of their various projects. Because they allow for homeowners to pay them back as they can, much of the upfront cost of supplies and services come solely from what they receive in community donations. “The money that keeps us going comes from the

TOP LEFT: Jerry Jonnum's "Yes! Fly Zone" ABOVE: Ed Clark's "Com'on Inn"

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COPTIC

HOLY DAY Tr a v e l s t o a n E g y p t i a n F e s t i v a l Text by Carole Firstman | Photos by Taylor Vaughn

t was like going to Egypt without boarding a plane. Well, sort of. At the “Second Annual Egyptian Festival” our community was invited to sample traditional Egyptian cuisine, make new friends, and tour the interior of St. George and St. Bishoy Egyptian Coptic Church. Big crowds turned out over the course of two days, and church members were poised to transport visitors on an educational journey. Radiologist Dr. Youssef Hanalla greeted guests at the door with handouts and brochures explaining the congregation’s history; Nagwa Maksy ushered visitors through the facility while narrating the specifics about Coptic icons, art and religious practices; teenage docents invited onlookers into a video room for a documentary film on the origins and significance of Orthodox contributions to society. Meanwhile, the priest, Father Youhanna Eskandar, strolled through the outdoor booths where children played games nearby. In his traditional black cassock, Father Eskandar jovially encouraged guests to partake of the abundant food offerings. Before settling for a meal, several families donned pharaoh costumes and posed before a pyramid photo backdrop. Two teenagers charged with manning the photographer’s station barked over the crowd, “Get your picture taken with the king and queen of Egypt!” Some artifacts and icons were available for purchase at Nefertiti’s Bazaar, where one could acquire a number of items, including decorative King Tutankhamen masks, wall hanging depictions of Saint Mark the Apostle, and fashionable handwoven women’s scarves. All in all, the festival was a rollicking good time, and quite informative, too.

Who are The Copts? Founded in the first century A.D., the Coptic Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. Today it is the largest church in the Middle East, with about 12 million faithful in Egypt and 20 million followers worldwide. The word “Coptic” derives from the Egyptian word “hekaptah,” meaning “Egypt.” A conservative group, the Orthodox Copts have preserved the earliest teachings and practices in unaltered form, handing down doctrines and patterns of worship from generation to generation. “We are traditional,” Maksy said, “meaning we do not change basic matters of faith or dogma to suit current trends.” Things like language and day-to-day practices can evolve in order to meet the practical needs of the congregation, but the basic tenants, Maksy emphasized, “remain pure.” Icons or Art? Located on the cul-de-sac of an unassuming residential neighborhood, the Visalia church’s A-frame exterior shelters unexpected aesthetic detail. The interior, which is pleasantly bright with natural light streaming through several large windows, houses eight elegant, intricately beaded crystal chandeliers above polished wood pews and rich blue carpet. Newly painted icons of the 12 apostles and the Holy Family adorn the walls and wooden partition that separates the altar area from the rest of the church. Icons have a prominent place in the Orthodox Church. The word “icon,” which describes a religious image, is derived from the Coptic word “eikonigow.” As per tradition, these images L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 0 1 1

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are not to be interpreted as art for art’s sake, but rather they serve as windows into the spiritual world, meant to help the onlooker achieve a contemplative mindset. Often a believer meditates on the person whose portrait is rendered as he strives to emulate the life of the saint portrayed. In addition to honoring the saints, certain symbolic features convey additional meaning: Disproportionately large eyes symbolize the spiritual eye that looks beyond the material world; large ears are for listening to the word of God; a small mouth signifies a person’s use of gentle words. In other words, the spiritual person spends more time listening and watching than speaking. It is interesting to note that, historically, most Coptic icon artists did not sign their names, signifying disinterest in selfglorification or fame. The few artists who did sign their work did so in the form of a prayer, such as “Remember, O Lord, your servant, (name).” Humility, Solitude and Reflection “This is my favorite,” Maksy said of a painting of St. Anthony the Great (251-356 AD), a long-bearded man depicted in the traditional vestment of a monk. “He’s considered the ‘Father of Monasticism.’” History records the story of a once wealthy man who, at the age of 34, found divine truth through solitary existence in a primordial landscape. Following his parents’ death and his subsequent responsibility for his unmarried sister, he gave all of his property to the poor, placed his sister with a group of Christian virgins (a sort of proto-nunnery at the time) and himself became the disciple of a local hermit. He made his abode in a small desert cave near the Red Sea. The Orthodox Church is famous for a long-standing tradition of monasticism. The monastic order, which is based on principles of poverty, obedience and chastity, became the foundation for many of the western orders. By the end of the fifth century there were hundreds of monasteries, and thousands of cells and caves scattered throughout the Egyptian desert. A great number of these monasteries still flourish today. Worldwide there are currently 33 Coptic monasteries with over 1,000 monks, and six convents with some 300 nuns. It was one such nun who traveled from Egypt to Visalia to hand paint all the icons of the local church’s interior, a monumental project that took several months. 46

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From Egypt to Visalia Copts in Egypt constitute the largest Christian community in the Middle East, as well as the largest religious minority in the region, accounting for 10 percent of the Egyptian population. As a minority, many Copts report significant discrimination in modern Egypt, as well as attacks by opposing extremist groups. While struggling amid changing national economic and social policies, many Copts felt further undermined when permits to construct Christian churches were delayed, Christian religious courts were closed, and the regime confiscated land and church properties. Many Copts eventually left their homeland for Australia, Europe and North America. Just one Coptic family resided in Visalia 25 years ago; today there are more than 60. Visalia’s St. George and St. Bishoy Coptic Orthodox Church was established 15 years ago. Once housed downtown, they have occupied the current facility for five years. Today’s members are largely a group of doctors and pharmacists who settled here with their families. “People coming from Egypt tend to migrate toward their own, and the church brings us together,” said Hanalla while answering questions following Maksy’s tour. “The first thing some people do is seek out the church. For some, if they don’t find a church close where they want to live, they don’t move there.” For three years Father Eskandar has served the Visalia congregation. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, he first earned a degree in electrical engineering. From the beginning, his heart was in teaching rather than engineering, so he later obtained a masters degree in education. He taught in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Dubai before he was ordained in 2008. “I have always done what I love,” he said while mingling with visitors under the dining tents, “and I love what I’m doing now.” Hanalla explained that a new challenge for Orthodox Coptics is outreach and education. “We want the community to know us. That’s why this festival is important.”

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paradise lost:

T T TRAVEL

Alcatraz Island

Text and Photos by Major Rogers

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t’s an odd feeling, to stand on the grounds of a place of utmost beauty, and realize that for some men, the same location represented hell on Earth. This is Alcatraz Island, home to the former maximum security prison, now turned National Park. There is more to the Rock than concrete and bars; there is history, and a story, giving the prison in the sea its own unique personality. The ferry ride to the island is 15 minutes, and leaves from pier 33 in San Francisco. The shuttles are large sturdy boats that give unprecedented views of not only San Fran, but of the Bay and all of its familiar features. Once on the island, you can pick up your audio set for the self-guided tour. This takes you through the same paths worn by the likes of Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly and Robert Franklin Stroud, aka “Bird Man of Alcatraz.” The audio tour’s narration contains first-person accounts of former guards, and former inmates, telling haunting and humorous real life tales of “Uncle Sam’s Devil’s Island.” Walk a corridor where you are told about the Battle of Alcatraz, a time where the United States Marines were brought in to subdue a group of six inmates, who in an escape attempt, overtook and killed guards with captured firearms.

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Alcatraz received its first documented inhabitants when a lighthouse was constructed in the harbor in the 1850s. Then in 1858, fresh from the Mexican war, the construction of Fortress Alcatraz was completed, though the island fort never fired its cannons in acts of battle. In 1868, modifications and additions were built on the island, allowing it to then serve as a military prison until 1933. In 1934, the property turned into a housing for federal inmates. The ominous island was built to incarcerate the worst of the worst of the nation’s inmates, which included those prone to escape. In the prison’s 29-year existence, there were 36 prisoners who attempted 14 escapes; prison authorities claim none were ever successful. However, to this day five prisoners are still listed as “missing and presumed drowned.” The tour takes you to the cells of a group of inmates who were involved in the most extravagant escape attempt perpetrated. These cells were the inspiration for the movie Escape from Alcatraz, starring Clint Eastwood. Here, three inmates chipped away at the dilapidated concrete of their cell ventilation ducts, until they could crawl and access the roof through a service corridor. The inmates used dummy heads adorned with human hair, taken from the 50

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inmate barber shop, to fool the nighttime count. The escapees were never caught, nor were their bodies ever found. However, some of their flight plan was discovered, which consisted of rafts constructed from raincoats, and crude wooden paddles that were found washed up on the shore of nearby Angels Island. It was this escape that spawned the downfall of the prison, as it highlighted the rapidly deteriorating infrastructure of the human cage. As you continue on your tour, you enter the chow hall through the exact door the inmates used. It gives a gloomy feeling to peer out the barred windows that give way to views of the Golden Gate Bridge and shimmering bay waters. Normally these views would be pleasurable, but for these men, they were a sad reminder of the life that was a close, but impossible distance away. On the tour, you are free to wander most of the island. Alcatraz hosts impressive flora and fauna displays on the property, which also serves as a bird sanctuary. Dating back to the 1800s, impressive gardens were created and maintained by families of the Army post, and then carried on by the families of the prison guards. When the prison closed, the gardens fell

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into despair, and were soon overgrown. However, in recent years there’s been a concentrated effort to breathe new life into the gardens. When the overgrowth was cleared, many of the original plants were found still growing; including the Welsh Rose, which was thought to be extinct. Many of these flowers can be seen along the west end of the island, where a lonely path takes you along the flank of the cell block. You come to a narrow unassuming stairway that leads through a doorway through a solid concrete wall. Stepping through, you enter The Yard. This is the only place of “freedom” for prisoners who earned the privilege. Here, each weekend and holiday, a prisoner could enjoy two-anda-half hours of outdoor recreation time. It’s an area about three-quarters of a football field, enclosed by a large, cold, non-assuming wall of concrete. Half the yard is grass, where makeshift baseball games would take place. The other elements of The Yard are asphalt and concrete. Faded paint lines still show areas marked for handball, or shuffleboard. Parts of Alcatraz are mere shells of their former selves. One such building was the warden’s mansion. It and other buildings on the property were burned during an American Indian

uprising in 1969-1971. A group of Native Americans took hold of the island as a move of protest against treatment of native people, and to bring attention to broken treaties levied by the United States. Though some areas of Alcatraz Island are off limits due to dilapidated buildings, one area that is virtually unscathed is the cell block itself. Take a stroll through the dark history of our country’s incarceration methods. Walk into a cell in “the hole,” and see the maddening darkness and isolation used for punishment. With its surroundings as macabre as they are beautiful, exuding an obviously solemn vibe, Alcatraz provides a unique experience. Night tours are available, with your arrival on the island just before sunset. After darkness falls, walk a corridor of cells. Hear your feet pace the concrete as a guard may have, smell the dank air, and listen very closely for the voices of tortured souls that carry on the wind. Then on your ferry ride back to the city, you can cherish and reflect on your freedom more than ever … Welcome to the Rock.

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reds for summer Text by Robert Whitely

irst came the summer solstice and then the long Fourth of July weekend. There can be no more clinging to the cool breezes of spring. Summer has arrived, the sun is beating down, and I’ve had to scramble to the cellar to find an appropriate red wine because the lady of the house thought the red blend from the Napa Valley was a bit too heavy for the moment. Indeed, she was right. The bigger, richer reds I’ve been enjoying through winter and spring now seem heavy and ponderous, not a good fit for the summer table. I rummaged through a number of possibilities in the wine cellar before settling upon a 2009 Bertani Valpolicella. This is a wine from northern Italy’s Veneto region, which encircles the romantic city of Verona, and it’s a first for this renowned producer of Amarone, the signature wine of the area.

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Bertani has never before sold a Valpolicella in the United States, perhaps because the market here had been poisoned by thin, watery Valpolicella that was both acidic and uninteresting. In fact, Valpolicella is made from the same grape, Corvina, that produces the fabulous Amarone. Good Valpolicella can be quite intriguing, and it offers excellent value for the quality. The 2009 Bertani Valpolicella had earned a silver medal at the 2010 Sommelier Challenge, where professional sommeliers from America’s leading restaurants evaluate the wines in a “blind” tasting format. It retails for $14. I checked the alcohol by volume (ABV), which is printed in small type on the label, and was pleased to discover the ABV was a modest 12.5 percent; that’s a plus for a “summer” red. For the higher-alcohol wines, those in the 14.5 percent range and higher seem to become more ponderous and less enjoyable as the mercury rises. I pulled the cork and poured a splash. The nose exhibited plenty of rich dark fruit. There were hints of spice. It was off to a good start. Then I took the first sip and had a moment of doubt. There was quite a bit of bite on the finish, though I should have expected that because these wines do not lack for acidity, even when they have plenty of fleshy fruit. The acid test came, literally, when I took the wine after a bite of food, which in this case was pasta in a light marinara sauce. The wine came alive. It was summer in a bottle, with gorgeous fruit and spice notes. I barely noticed the acidity that had been so apparent at first, except to note the clean finish. My Italian friends would have said “perfecto”! So, now I am re-evaluating my stock of “summer” reds. I’ve decided I need more Beaujolais. The past two vintages, 2009 and 2010, have been spectacular, and the wines are still relatively cheap. An added bonus with Beaujolais is that it tastes so good when it’s chilled, which is the way to go when dining al fresco. Chinon from France’s Loire Valley is another excellent summer wine for many of the same reasons that Valpolicella and Beaujolais work so well. It tends to be lower in alcohol, not terribly expensive, and it, too, tastes good when chilled. Chinon is made from the Cabernet Franc grape and is generally lighter in body than Cabernet Franc made in other parts of the world, so a straight trade of Chinon for Cab Franc may not work out for you. Of course, there is the option of switching to crisp white wines and fruity rose wines during the hottest month of the year, though matching those wines with heartier summer fare, especially red meat, might prove challenging. And there is no need. If you choose wisely, there is no reason that you can’t drink fabulous red wines all summer long. BEST VALUE Kenwood Vineyards 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County ($12). I think of Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc as old reliable. It’s certainly consistent and always satisfying. The consistency expresses itself in the familiar aromas of grapefruit and fig. Kenwood Sauvignon has had grapefruit as its signature aroma for as long as I can remember. What’s more, the quality is extraordinary for the

price. This is one wine that will always deliver clean, refreshing flavors, juicy acidity and excellent balance at a very modest price. Yep, old reliable. Rating: 88 TASTING NOTES Nickel & Nickel 2008 Merlot, Harris Vineyard, Oakville ($50). Merlot doesn’t get much better than the remarkable juice from Nickel & Nickel’s Harris Vineyard. The nose is inviting by showing hints of cedar, spice and red fruit. The wine opens up and coats the palate with flavors of plum, raspberry and gentle toasty oak. The tannins are smooth and supple, yet the wine has the backbone to improve with age, though the temptation to drink it now might be difficult to resist. One of the great Merlots of the world, let alone California. Rating: 97 Merry Edwards 2009 Pinot Noir, Klopp Ranch, Russian River Valley ($57). I confess to a preference for earthy Pinots, so Merry’s latest from Klopp Ranch hit me where I live. It offers exotic aromas of forest floor and dark fruits, with a subtle spice note, and an everlengthening palate that will only improve as the tanninic bite on the finish loses its grip with time. Superb and distinctive Pinot from the grande dame of California Pinot Noir. Rating: 95 Franciscan Estate 2008 Chardonnay “Cuvee Sauvage,” Carneros ($40). Always one of the classiest Chardonnays produced in the Napa Valley, the Franciscan Cuvee Sauvage (fermented using native or “wild” yeasts) has always impressed me with its structure and complexity. The ’08 vintage is no exception. It is a rich, mouth-coating Chardonnay that has obviously spent some time in expensive French oak. Yet it has the backbone and mouth-watering acidity to improve with age, and develop aromas of honey and butterscotch beyond those that are already evident. Then there is the lovely nuance of lemon oil. Wonderful and delicious, it’s a candidate for the cellar, too. Rating: 93 Charles Krug 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, St. Helena ($18). It’s safe to say Charles Krug is on a roll and making some exceptional wine these days, and at prices that are attractive for the Napa Valley. This Sauvignon exhibits a gorgeous nose of white flowers, passion fruit and nectarine – flavors that shine through on the palate. The wine is well balanced, shows good length, and finishes clean and fresh, inviting another sip. And another. And another. Rating: 90 Castello Banfi 2010 Pinot Grigio, Montalcino, Italy ($17). Crisp and refreshing, this Banfi Pinot Grigio is made in the lighter style that is particularly popular worldwide. It offers notes of citrus and peach, with a hint of fennel in the bouquet. This is either the perfect summer quaffer or a wonderful foil for tapas, mild cheeses and shellfish. Rating: 88 Wines are rated on a 100-point scale. Wines are chosen for review because they represent outstanding quality or value.

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F FACES & PLACES

n Friday, June 3, 2011, Happy Trails Riding Academy hosted its annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Night at the Racesâ&#x20AC;? event. Happy Trails is a nonprofit program which enriches the lives of children and adults, with physical, cognitive and psychological disabilities through equine assisted activities and therapy. The evening brought out many of the South Valley's most supportive philanthropists, raising over $80,000 between the auctions and horse racing (on the big screen).

1 Kari Rivera, Rodney Rivera, Todd Hayes, Jeremy Hayes 2 Stephanie Kaesekamp, Stephanie Hill, Dale Wamwright, Caitlyn Wamwright 3 Aaron Elliot, July Hong 4 Jason Maze, Melissa Maze 5 Jim Sullins, Roland Hill, Neal Spiro 6 Pierre Gaston, Mike Lane, Linda Lane 7 Lee Brehm, Linda Nognus, Denise Nelson, Jeff Nelson

13 54

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8 Debbi Todd, Rhonda Mendes 9 Tom Seidler, Jennifer Pendergaft, Chris Henstra, Kasey Conley, Mitch Retelny, Mike Candela, Daniel Reimer, Dave Hargey 10 Natali Mata, Christina Olvera, Kimberly Haas 11 Kim Givich, Kerry VanderPoel, Bailey VanderPoel 12 Ingrid Hamar, Garen Goddreau 13 Jerry Poochigian, Julie Poochigian, Anna Cortez, David Cortez

Photos by Becca Chavez

FACES & PLACES F

Interior plantscaping and some simple design elements can make your place of business more warm and inviting. Call 559.734.4920 to see what we can do for your business interior.

Interior Plantscaping | Design and Installation | Live Plant Rental and Leasing

Broker/Owner NMLS #252789

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F FASHION

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FASHION F

bagbug catching the

style on the go Text by Sharon Mosley

f there is one fashion accessory we usually buy at least once or twice a year (sometimes more), it’s a handbag. We love shopping for them even when we don’t really need a new one. They just seem to make us feel good. So, why do handbags fascinate most women? “Because, unlike clothes, we don’t need to shed a thing to try them on,” said Amy Goodman, style expert and author of Wear This, Toss That!

“For this reason, the handbag department is one of my favorite quick-stop shopping fixes to instantly add splash to a wardrobe,” admitted Goodman. “Still, among those who have the bag bug, I’m surprised by the number of people who wear them all wrong.” Here are some tips from Goodman for those shopping trips when you do catch the bug:

Your bag shape and body shape shouldn’t match. If you’re tall and thin, consider an unstructured, slouchy bag. If you’re round and curvy, get a structured style. Think opposite for a beautiful balance. And if you’re average all around, lucky you – you can sport any style. Be sure to try on your bag in front of a mirror. It’s a must. The bag should hit your assets. If you have hips, make sure the bag hits above or below, but not at your hip. If you are busty, the bag should hit below the bust. If you are petite, your bag should go no lower than your waist, or you’ll appear to be all bag and no body! Tall? Celebrate your stature with a long bag that hits just below the hip. Consider your bag’s main functions. Will you wear it to work? Are you a mom on the go? Do you need a bag to carry you through a weekend or simply to hold a compact, lipstick and ID for a special evening out? Do you dig pockets or just one main compartment? The answer to these questions will determine the size, style and durability of your bag. A small crystal clutch won’t likely hold a work file. What specific bags work for tall women? Goodman suggests buying medium to larger unstructured bags and bags with long straps, as long as the purse isn’t tiny. “You can play with volume,” she said. She cautions taller women about top handle bags with a strict frame and rigid edges, which produce a stark overall look and create too many angles when juxtaposed against a tall frame. Instead, she recommends a rounded or trapezoid satchel with soft curves to better balance your look. Petite women should think proportionally smaller, and not venture bigger than a medium-size bag, said Goodman. “With your body type, bag shape is less of an issue, so you can embrace a round or slouchy bag.” Bags that don’t work for petite women include overly long body bags and enormous bag-size satchels. “A too-big bag will envelop you entirely,” she said. Curvy women should look for medium to larger bags with structure, form and stiffer fabrics, according to Goodman. Steer clear of bags with handles that barely clear the arm. “A shoulder bag with long straps is no better because the bag’s body will hit at the hip and make you look wider.” Also, curvy women should avoid slouchy bags that look like cushioned pillows, round and duffle-shaped bags, structure-less satchels, oval handles and super thin chain straps.

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Fourth Wall Theatre Co. Presents

RENT

Directed by Corey Ralston, this production of the hit Broadway musical will be the first time the musical has been performed in the Valley. All profit after production costs will be donated to the LGBTQ Wellness Foundation which provides education about HIV/ AIDS and provides local assistance. When: July 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31, 8p; Matinee July 24, 2p Where: Main St. Theatre, 307 E. Main St., Visalia Contact: Visit www.rentvisalia.com for more details

July 22-31

Theater & Performances

Art Exhibits

HAIRSPRAY – The Broadway Musical

California Edge: Photography in the 21st Century

The Tulare County Office of Education Theatre Company presents this fun and lively musical showcasing some of the best in local talent. For just $10, experience Broadway on Main. (VIP reserved seating: $20). When: July 22-23, 28-30, 7:30p; Matinee July 23, 2p Where: L.J. Williams Theatre, 1001 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: Brian Roberts, 651-1482

With free admission, there is no reason not to come and check out Arts Visalia’s newest exhibition of breathtaking modern photography. When: Exhibition open June 29-July 29 Where: Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 789-0905 or info@artsvisalia.org

Young at Art

Visalia Community Players presents Steel Magnolias

Directed by Peg Collins, this energetic play is set in Truvy’s beauty salon on the wedding day of one of its favorite patrons. Filled with hilarious repartee and a few acerbic, but humorously revealing verbal collisions, it is destined to make you laugh, cry and marvel at the resiliency of southern womanhood. When: Aug. 12-14, 19-21, 26-28, 7:30p; Sunday Matinees, 2p Where: Ice House Theatre, 410 E. Race Ave., Visalia Contact: 734-3900

AUG 14

Michael Bublé Crazy Love Tour Two-time Grammy Award winner, Michael Bublé whose hit songs include “Home” and “Just Haven't Met You Yet” visits Fresno on his international tour. When: August 14, 8p Where: Save Mart Center, 2650 E. Shaw Ave., Fresno Contact: for more information visit savemartcenter.com or michaelbuble.com

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Arts Visalia features artworks created by each and every student who participates in its summer program. The Young at Art exhibition is one of the year’s most enjoyable exhibitions. Students, along with their families and friends, have the opportunity to see their artistic creations presented in a professional gallery setting. When: Aug. 3-26; Reception: Friday, Aug. 5, 6-8p Where: Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 739-0905

AUG 18

Art in the Alley

Themed “Creating Smiles!”, the public is welcome to come out and view art on display by local artists. This event coincides with the Downtown Farmers Market. When: Aug 18, 5-8p Where: Garden St. Plaza, Visalia Contact: 625-1520

HAPPENINGS H

V I S A L I A

R E S C U E

30th Anniversary Banquet

M I S S I O N

Golf Skills Challenge FRIDAY, AUGUST 19TH AT VALLEY OAKS

TUESDAY AUGUST 30TH Doors open at 6pm I Dinner at 6:30pm FEATURING:

Will Graham

(grandson of Billy Graham) LOCAL ARTIST:

Travis Aicklen & Co. First Assembly Church, Visalia Catered by Fugazzi's

(559) 740-4178

Check-in is at 7:45am 9am shotgun start Lunch to follow in the clubhouse Teams of 4 Prizes at every challenge! Sponsorships available!

Help the Visalia Rescue Mission

change lives

www.vrmhope.org

Jessica@visaliarescue.org

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Diversions & Excursions Movies in the Park

Join in the fun on Friday nights at Riverway Sports Park for a FREE family movie night! Gather the family, grab a blanket or lawn chairs, and head out to the park for a night under the stars. Movies begin at 8:30p. When: July 22, Megamind (PG) July 29, Twilight Saga Eclipse (PG 13) Where: Riverway Sports Park, 3611 N. Dinuba Boulevard, Visalia Contact: Visalia Parks and Recreation, 713-4365

AUG 5 AUG 6

AUG 18

1st Saturday in Three Rivers Celebrate art, music, dance, storytelling, food and drink as you browse the art galleries, studios and gift shops of downtown Three Rivers. For discounts and participants visit website. When: Aug. 6, 10a-5p Where: Maps at Anne Lang’s Emporium, 41651 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers Contact: Nadi Spencer, 561-4373 or visit www.1stSaturdayTR.com

Independent Film Night

Come out to the Tulare County Library's Independent Film Night! Showing If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle, an award-winning Romanian film. When: August 18, 6p Where: Tulare County Library, 200 W. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 713-2700 or www.tularecountylibrary.org

Weekly event open to the public featuring free live music, kids’ activities, cooking demonstrations and local, fresh produce available for purchase. When: Thursdays, Downtown Visalia 5-8p; Saturdays, Sequoia Mall, Sears parking lot 8-11:30a Where: Church and Main St.; Sears parking lot at Mooney and Caldwell, Visalia Contact: 967-6722 or www.visaliafarmersmarket.com

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AUG 12

23rd Tommy Elliott Memorial Golf Classic

AUG 19

Visalia Rescue Mission Golf Skills Challenge

Blues, Brews & BBQ

Join in on live music, refreshing beverages and delicious barbeque at this fun Downtown event. When: Aug. 5, 6-10p Where: Garden St. Plaza, Visalia Contact: 732-7737 or visit www.bluesbrewsandbbq.net

Visalia Farmers’ Market – Harvest of the Valley

Charitable Events

A fun-filled day of golf at the beautiful Visalia County Club. All proceeds from this fundraising event benefit on-going programs and projects of Kaweah Delta Hospital Foundation. Each golf registration includes cart and green fees, tee prizes, lunch, awards reception, and the team draw reception at the Vintage Press. Price: $175. When: Aug. 12 Where: Visalia Country Club, 625 N. Ranch St., Visalia Contact: Kaweah Delta Hospital Foundation, 624-2359

Support VRM and have fun, too! Teams will be made up of four so get your team together and give the Mission a call. Sponsorships are also available. When: August 19, check-in is 7:45a, 9a shotgun start Where: Valley Oaks Golf Course, 1800 S. Plaza St.,Visalia Contact: VRM, 740-4178 or email: hope@visaliarescue.org

Classes & Workshops Arts Visalia – Summer Art Program

Choose from seven one-week art camps for your children to appreciate, enjoy, and learn the fundamentals of art. At the end of August, each child has the opportunity to show their art pieces in the annual Young at Art Exhibition held in the gallery. A terrific summer camp perfectly designed for the young artist in your family! When: Call or email for dates and enrollment forms. Where: Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 739-0905 or info@artsvisalia.org

HAPPENINGS H

Serving the Central Valley for 14 years.

Don’t Miss These Upcoming Chamber Events!

Oktoberfest 2011 Beer and Bräts at the Rawhide Friday, October 14, 2011 VISALIA RAWHIDE STADIUM

Visalia Chamber of Commerce www.visaliachamber.org

31st Annual

Christmas Tree Auction Friday, December 2, 2011 VISALIA CONVENTION CENTER

220 N. Santa Fe Street, Visalia (559)734-5876

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Peña Planetarium - Kaluoka'Hina:

The Enchanted Reef Be transported to a tropical reef, a oneof-a-kind world: colorful and foreign, full of adventure and danger, riddles and mysteries, old legends and myths; a world inhabited by creatures that are humorous and courageous, lovable and bizarre, charming and dangerous. An exciting adventure for the whole family. When: August 3, 2p and 3p showings Where: Educational Enrichment Center, 2500 W. Burrel Ave., Visalia Contact: 737-6334 for ticket information.

Children’s Attractions Imagine U Interactive Children’s Museum

Imagine U offers a variety of weekly interactive exhibits, events and activities designed to entertain and engage your preschool child. When: Wed.-Fri., 10a-4p; Saturday, 12p-4p Where: 700 E. Main St., Visalia Contact: 733-5975 or www.imagineumuseum.org

The Boys & Girls Club of Tulare County – Summer Camp 2011

The Boys & Girls Club offers fun, allday summer fun at the Visalia club. Youth ages 6-12 are invited to join for just $50 a week, which includes a nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack. A great place for kids to meet friends, learn new skills and take away great memories. When: June 8-Aug. 17 Where: Boys & Girls Club, 215 W. Tulare Ave., Visalia Contact: 625-4422 or bgclubtc.org

The Boys & Girls Club of The Sequoias

Offering children ages 6-18 development and training in computer technology, life skills, sports, art and music. Annual fee, $15. When: Monday-Friday, 2-6p Where: Exeter, Farmersville and Porterville Contact: 592-2711 or www.bgcsequoias.org

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Chaffee Zoo

At Fresno Chaffee Zoo visitors can see more than 700 mammals, birds and reptiles as they tour the zoo. This is a fun learning experience for children of all ages. Zoo admission: $7 for adults, $3.50 for seniors and children ages 2-11, under 2 years free. When: Open daily from 9a to 6p Where: 894 W. Belmont Ave., Fresno. Contact: 498-5910 or www.fresnochaffeezoo.org

Writers & Readers Tulare County Library

Mystery Readers (July 20, 6:30p) First Tuesday Book Club (Aug. 2, 6:30p) Baby/Toddler Time (Tues. 10a) Preschool Story Time (Wed. 10a) Family Fun Friday (Fri. 1:30-5:30p) When: Call or visit website for more information. Where: Tulare County Library, 200 W. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 713-2700 or www.tularecountylibrary.org

Event Listings If you would like to have your event considered for a free listing in our “Happenings” section, please email your submission to lifestyle@ dmiagency.com or fax to 738-0909, Attention Happenings. Please note, we do not guarantee listing of any submission. Submissions are due six weeks prior to publication.

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