November 2012 by Lifestyle Magazine

HOME TOUR

The MEENDERING Home

Love For Mexico Brings Family, Friends Together

CULINARY

SMALL-FAMILY THANKSGIVING Stuffed Game Hens

TRAVEL

DUBAI One of a Kind

ECRWSS RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER LOCAL

November 2012

Presort Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Las Vegas, NV Permit No. 2543

CMY

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24 HOME TOUR The Meendering Home

ARTS

Letter from the Executive Editor

Art on Fire

10 Business Cents: Recession Risk Rising

Arts Visalia Fundraiser Gets Creative

12 Word Play 14 Local Adventure: Take A Drive 18 Charity: Ruiz 4 Kids Fiesta 20 SoirĂŠe: 32nd Annual Christmas Tree Auction

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22 Business Profile: Elaine Dakessian

CULINARY

Small-Family Thanksgiving Stuffed Game Hens

40 Charity: An Evening in Shanghai 48 Fashion 50 Performances 52 Chamber: Visalia 54 Chamber: Exeter 56 Chamber: Tulare 58 Happenings

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34 TRAVEL

Dubai One of a Kind

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42 4

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ABOVE: One of the many garden areas at the Meendering home capable of making one feel like they are in a villa in Mexico.

NOVEMBER 2012 PUBLISHED BY DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 ART & PRODUCTION Art Director ROSS YUKAWA Graphic Designer CHRIS BLY EDITORIAL Executive Editor Karen Tellalian Assistant Editor TAYLOR VAUGHN Copy Editor DARA FISK-EKANGER Content Editor Kyndal Kennedy CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Andre goDdard cheryl dieter cheryl levitan corey ralston Diane Slocum elaine dakessian kyndal kennedy LISA Mcewen sharon mosley BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Malkasian Accountancy LLP Gary Malkasian CPA JEFFREY Malkasian EA Operations Manager Maria Gaston

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ADVERTISING SALES Advertising Director Bridget Elmore SALES OFFICE 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • Fax 559.738.0909 E-mail: lifestyle@dmiagency.com VIEW THE MAG ONLINE! issuu.com/lifestylemagazine

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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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COVER PHOTO: Flares of Mexico pop up throughout the Meendering’s garden, complemented by cacti, succulents and lively colored florals. LEFT: The gourmet kitchen in the Meendering home complements the rest of the home’s bright and open atmosphere.

E EDITOR NOTE

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

It’s Thanksgiving. Well, almost. But, it’s close enough to be reminded of so many of the year’s blessings. I probably shouldn’t start with the fact the San Francisco Giants won the World Series for the second time in three years, but it would be a lie of omission if I left it out. I was pretty thankful to have just a few more weeks of baseball, as “our” team played well into October. It was a great year for baseball at our house, and only about 16 weeks until pitchers and catchers report for spring training. Yeah! As the parents of five children, we’re also thankful for a relatively quiet year. Hurricane Sandy only temporarily inconvenienced our oldest, living in New York. That alone is plenty to be thankful for. We are saddened for the tremendous loss of life and property there, but are optimistic about the resilience of the American people who pull together in times of the greatest need. Please send out prayers and positive thoughts to the people there as they work toward recovery. Today, as I’m writing, it’s Election Day. Or was it Election Month, Quarter, or Year? I’ll admit it – by the time voting day rolls around I’m exhausted. Not for any reason other than I tire of the political rhetoric. And, I surely can’t be the only person sick of trying to sift out fact from fiction in the initiatives. Please don’t misunderstand – I do not tire of the freedom, or the right, to vote; it’s not being able to take information at face value that’s exhausting. I’m also quite sure I don’t have the solution, and for now, I hope someone, somewhere, much smarter than I is working on a way to restore integrity back into this process. In the meantime, I’m eternally grateful to live in a country where my opinion, popular or not, can be expressed on the pages of a magazine. Lastly, I’m very thankful to organizations, such as Ruiz Foods, for supporting local children’s charities. The need in our area is great, and there are a number of organizations stepping up year-after-year to help the cause. This year’s Ruiz 4 Kids Fiesta split monies raised between four worthy charities. If you’ve never worked behind the scenes for an event such as this, you can’t possibly understand the amount of hours it takes to pull off such a successful affair. For details about the colorful event, be sure to turn to page 18. We hope this time of year finds you filled with blessings and thanksgiving. If you find an extra dollar or two in your pocket, remember those dollars would go a long way in providing a meal for someone with much less. Visalia Rescue Mission, Emergency Aid and many of our local churches feed thousands of people on Thanksgiving. Please help if you can. Someone is sure to be very grateful, even if you don’t know them by name.

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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C AN D IES

B BUSINESS CENTS

Recession Risk Rising Text by Andre Goddard, VP – Investments, Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC

conomic forecasting was relatively easy from the end of World War II until the middle of the prior decade. Most of the time, you could just focus on monetary policy. When the federal funds rate was much lower than the growth of nominal GDP – real GDP growth plus inflation – then the Federal Reserve was too loose and nominal GDP growth would go up. When the Federal Reserve kept the funds rate above nominal GDP growth, it was tight and nominal GDP growth would slow, raising recession risk and reducing inflation. But then came the last recession, which had nothing to do with the Federal Reserve being too tight. Instead, falling home prices and mark-to-market rules rendered some major banks undercapitalized. A pure financial panic ensued, the likes of which we had not seen for 100 years. Consumers and businesses clung to as much cash as possible. As a result, the velocity of money – the speed with which money circulates through the economy – plunged. But what if this was not a one-time event? What if we are now in a new era where shifts in the velocity of money often dominate the economic effects of changes in the money supply? We are not saying this is definitely the case, but it now appears more plausible. And, if so, forecasting the economy just got a great deal tougher. Not just for the next few years, but, perhaps, for a generation. In this environment, we have to pay attention to data like we’ve seen in the past few weeks, including a 1.2 percent drop in industrial production (IP), and a 13.2 percent plunge in new orders for durable goods.

Both reports are likely the result of extenuating circumstances. For IP, output at mines, utilities, and automakers – all of which are very volatile – fell sharply. And, although manufacturing ex-autos declined 0.4 percent, it could have been due to hurricane Isaac or just statistical noise. With durable goods, almost all the drop was in the volatile transportation sector. But machinery, which is usually more stable, is down 10 percent from a year ago, something that almost never happens except when the economy is in a recession or on the verge of one. Right now, we are forecasting 1.5 percent real GDP growth for Q3. But, given the drought, a much lower number – even below zero – cannot be casually dismissed. And if that happens, we have to recognize the chance of another plunge in monetary velocity, particularly given financial fears about Europe. As a result, we are raising our odds of recession to 25 percent, the highest since mid-2009. Our base case is still modest growth, but the odds of a downturn are no longer very slim, like we said they were (correctly) during the soft patches of 2010 and 2011. If a recession happens, it will not be the result of the typical causes: tight money, tax hikes, or protectionism. Instead, it would be our new nemesis, “uncertainty,” leading to a decline in velocity. In our view, at the heart of the recent uncertainty is a massive growth in government spending and debt, and the fear of large future tax hikes if we stay on this path. Potential tax hikes are changing the risk-reward calculation of every business in America. In a few months, we should know how much of this potential will become reality. Consensus forecasts come from Bloomberg. This report was prepared by First Trust Advisors L. P., and reflects the current opinion of the authors. It is based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward-looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security. This article was written by First Trust Advisors L.P. and provided courtesy of Andre Goddard, Vice President-Investments in Visalia 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 brokerdealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

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W WORD PLAY

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

ith Thanksgiving right around the corner, today’s menu of books features turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. Just out this month is Turkey Claus by Wendy Silvano, illustrated by Lee Harper. The central character from 2009’s Turkey Trouble is once again trying to avoid becoming the main course at a holiday dinner. Written for ages four and up, the book takes Turkey to the North Pole. Also published this year, Potatoes on the Rooftops by Hadley Dyer tells nine-year-olds and up about the advantages of homegrown food and how they can garden not only on rooftops, or elsewhere at home, but also in community gardens and at school. Here’s one for adults. Jill Conner Browne created an ongoing series when she wrote The Sweet Potato Queens’ Book of Love in 1999. Fat is the New 30: The Sweet Potato Queens’ Guide to Coping with (the crappy parts of) Life just came out this year, with about seven in between featuring the queens with men, children, recipes, novels, and thighs. For dessert, there is Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie (Picture the Seasons) by Jill Esbaum, a National Geographic photo book from 2009, recommended for ages four and up. Valley Writers Visalia native Jane Porter recently released The Good Woman, the first in a new trilogy about the Brennan sisters. The Good Daughter is scheduled for February and the third book next fall. In the first book of the series, Meg is a dedicated wife and mother while she is also the publicist for a winery owned by an incredibly handsome and charming set of brothers. As her dutiful life begins to unravel, she questions the role she has always fulfilled. Porter has published 25 novels and frequently shares her secrets of success at workshops and conferences. Earlier this month, she was in Savannah, GA, at the Manic Mommies Escape where she shared how she comes up with her stories and why it’s important to write about moms. James Varner will read his story, “Memories of Growing Up with Friends,” at 7 p.m. on November 21 on KVPR’s Valley Writers Read. The following Wednesday, November 28, Howard V. Hendrix reads “American Bacon,” a story about a neighbor who recruits the author to help slaughter a hog. The same night, features Sharon Patterson’s “Ant Climbs a Molehill Guarded by a Camel” which concerns an enlisted man who struggles to advance in rank. December’s first offering, on the 5th, will be Jon Frank reading “Salatha Wall – First Try on El Cap” about mountain climbing in Yosemite Valley. On December 12, Larry Hill will read “The Night We Read Carver” about a writer who takes his girlfriend/ protégé to a conference where she turns the tables on him. C.B. Mosher will share “Descent into Heaven” on December 17, the story of his family’s exploration of the beauty of the headwaters of the Amazon River.

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Contests The Iowa Review will accept poetry, fiction and nonfiction entries for its contest during the month of January. Submit online at iowareview. submittable.com. Entry fee: $20. Winner receives $1,500 and publication. Details at: www.iowareview.org/. The deadline for the Main Street Rag Annual Poetry Book Award is January 31. Send between 48 and 84 pages of poetry. Winner receives $1,200 and publication. Details at: www.mainstreetrag.com/PoBkCont.html. January 31 is also the deadline for the University of New Orleans’ Eighth Annual Writing Contest for Study Abroad. The winners in poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction will each be awarded full fee waivers, including housing allowance, to attend The Writing Workshops in Edinburgh, Scotland, or the Ezra Pound Center for Literature in Brunnenburg, Italy. Transportation is not included. Entry fee: $28. Details at: http://lowres.uno.edu/contest.cfm. Conferences The Key West Literary Seminar will offer two sessions of its “Writers on Writers” – January 10-13 and January 17-20. They also offer a Workshop Program January 13-17. The seminars study the works of writers such as Emerson, Thoreau and Hemingway. Panelists at the seminars include a long list of writers from James Atlas to Brenda Wineapple. Faculty at the workshop will range from Paulette Bates Alden to Hilma Wolitzer. Scholarships are offered to three emerging writers. Registration is $575. Details at: www.kwls.org/. The Cape Fear Crime Festival will be held on February 1-2 in Wilmington, NC. Details at: http://capefearcrimefestival2.blogspot.com/. Webinars Writer’s Digest regularly offers webinars online. Look for special weekly features such as “Story Physics: Mastering the Most Important Moments of Your Story.” Thriller author Larry Brooks explains why elements of the story can’t go just anywhere – there is a time and place where they will work; if the most important moment in the story is mishandled, it can ruin the whole story; how to avoid the fatal flaw authors make, and more. The Last Word “A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.” – Aesop (620-560 BC)

L LOCAL ADVENTURE

Take A Drive

any times, adventures center around taking a hike, but this month, as the leaves begin to change and the hillsides turn the color gold, taking a drive with the windows down and a cup of hot cocoa in the center console can be just as enjoyable – just watch for potholes when taking those sips. How many times do we see scenes in movies where the lead actors are driving in a convertible with the wind blowing their hair as they travel through the countryside? Well, we live in that countryside – so the time is perfect to fill up on fresh air and make some movie magic in the Central Valley and surrounding hillsides. It’s time to put the iPad and cell phone away, load up a picnic basket, gather up scarves and sweaters, and jump in the car. One of the best things about taking a drive is it’s possible for the whole family to join in. Often, small children and infants can’t go on family adventures where hiking or rock climbing is involved. But this time of year is all about spending time with loved ones so it’s extra special and extra perfect to share this adventure with the whole family. There are several destinations in the area that would make for a nice drive without turning into a lengthy day trip. Here are just a couple ideas to get your wheels turning. Take the drive to Springville, California, through Exeter and Hwy 65/All American City Highway. Although the first part of the route is mostly freeway, once you hit the 190, you will soon find yourself in picturesque downtown Springville. Stop here for a walk around the shops and to stretch your legs. Poke around the legendary Springville Inn, built in the early 1900s and rumored to be haunted by four friendly ghosts, if you’re looking for a little post-Halloween excitement. After you’ve gotten your fill of a town seemingly frozen in time, continue to head up “the mighty 190” as you get closer to the Sequoias. Just a few more miles to Balch Park and it’s time to set up a spot for a picnic. Balch Park is known as the gateway to beautiful meadows, crater lakes and a wonderful wilderness experience, making it the perfect conclusion to your drive. Once you are finished relaxing in the great outdoors, pack up your satisfied family and head back down through the hills to Visalia as you follow the setting sun. Of course, one of our area’s favorite places to escape to is Three Rivers. Taking that short drive east is satisfaction enough for many; adding the wonderful candy store and ice cream parlor there elevates it to heavenly. For a quick trip to clear the mind and fill the tummy, heading east on the 198 to Three Rivers is the best option. Before getting your double scoop of Three Rivers homemade Blackberry ice cream at Reimer’s Candies, Gifts and Ice Cream turn off on a side road and wind your way through the foothills. Take in the always crisp air and have the kids keep an eye out for the many creatures roaming the foothills. Just be sure to keep your GPS charged so you can find your way back down. 14

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A Arts

Art on

rts Visalia and the Arts Consortium took fundraising up a degree this year with their much-anticipated Art on Fire event. Rather than the traditional dinner-and-auction fundraiser, the two organizations did what they know best and exposed Visalia to art. Walking down Main Street, it’s easy to notice just exactly how they did this as you find yourself passing a koala, a Dalmatian, a RootBEAR, and a glimpse of Tulare County from the sky. All of these different designs and characters come to life on what used to be plain, standard fire hydrants – a part of daily life that only dogs care to notice. But not anymore; public art is on fire and sparking interest in the arts Downtown. When asked how the whole thing came together, event organizer Mary Jo Eastes, said former Fire Chief Mark Nelson had an idea of what would bring color and art to our Downtown, and the idea for painting the fire hydrants was born. It took a lot of planning and meeting before the idea could come to life and to the streets of Visalia. It wasn’t until California Water Service agreed it was a good idea, and the permit was issued, that it really started to catch fire. Arts Visalia and the Arts Consortium asked for $1,000 sponsorships for each of the 20 hydrants designated for design. The sponsorships last for two years and each sponsor will have a plaque at the foot of the hydrant. The plaques feature the title of the piece, artist, painters (if the artist had help), space to share information 16

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about the sponsor, and the Arts Visalia and Arts Consortium logos. In addition to finding generous sponsors to make this a reality, Arts Visalia and the Arts Consortium had a call to artists to design what would be fused to these commonplace entities Downtown. Artists offered up designs for their fire hydrants and an explanation for why this design connects back to the community and a jury of four judged the submitted ideas. The painting began September 28, during Taste the Arts. The artists were paid $175 for designing and painting their hydrant and many donated their money back to Arts Visalia or to other organizations. That generosity is something Eastes said, “shows how giving people really are here.” A total of 35 artists painted 20 varied themes down the 1.1-mile Art on Fire walk. Painters ranged in age and experience, but all had one goal: to leave a mark on our town, reminiscent of what it means to live in Tulare County. One such hydrant that is getting a lot of attention is “Heroes Are Never Forgotten,” painted by Mary Randol, located on the south/ west corner of Main and Floral. This design honors Visalia’s late police dog Samson that served from 2007 to 2012. The design also honors the heroes of September 11 and is sponsored by Companion Animal Medical Center. One of the best parts of this project is its long-term effect on our community. Art on Fire reaches the art scene through its proceeds benefiting Arts Visalia and its day-to-day costs of running the gallery and art classes, but also reaches into the imagination and hearts of passersby.

arts A

Fire

Arts Visalia Fundraiser Gets Creative Text by Kyndal Kennedy | Photos by Taylor Vaughn

TAKE A WALK DOWN MAIN STREET AND ENJOY THESE CREATIONS 1. N/W Main and Santa Fe; Joy Harvey assisted by Mel Wong; “Panda with Bamboo.”

SPONSOR: VISALIA MARRIOTT HOTEL & RESTAURANT

2. N/E Main and Bridge; Nicole Delima; “We Feed the World.” Sponsor: The Heinzen Group-Wealth Management

3. S/W Main and Bridge; Reggie Gamboa; “Relief.” Sponsored in honor of the Tulare County Symphony by Francie Levy

4. Main at Garden Street Plaza; James Bonafe; “The American Fireman.” Sponsor: Visalia Parks & Recreation Foundation 5. S/W Main and Church; Tracey Frye; “Birds Eye View.”

Sponsor: Downtown Visalia Foundation

6. North Side Main Street between Court & Church; Nicole Delima; “The RootBEAR.” Sponsor: A & W Restaurants 7. S/W Main and Court; Mary Randol; “Visalia Saddle Company est. 1870s.” Sponsor: Doc. Ronald Humason 8. S/W Main and Locust; Varian Mace; “High Flyer.” Sponsor: Dwelle Family Foundation 9. N/E Main and Encina; Jorge Garza and his daughter, Luci Garza; “Preserving the Oak.” Sponsor: Nichols Farms 10. S/W Main and Floral; Mary Randol; “Heroes are Never Forgotten.” Sponsor: Companion Animal Medical Center

11. S/W Main and West; John Coppola; “THE ACTION JACKSON SPLASH.” Sponsor: Duda farm fresh foods 12. S/W Main and Willis; Kacey Fansett; “Fruits of the Valley.” Sponsor: Friends of Robert “Dutch” Bol

13. S/W Main and Johnson; Tracey Frye; “Sparkey the Fire Dog.” Sponsor: the five visalia rotary clubs

14. S/W Main and Stevenson; James Bonafe; “Red, White, & Blue – 2012.” Sponsor: Visalia City Council Members 2012 15. S/W Main and Conyer; Deanna Saldana; “Hey, Spot!” Sponsor: Choices After School Program 16. S/W Main and Jacob; Jennifer LaMar; “Hold On, Pain Ends.” Sponsor: Suicide Prevention Task Force

17. S/W Main and Turner; Andrew Turner; “The Golden Era of Tennis.” Sponsor: Board of Supervisors: Cox, Worthley and Ishida

18. N/W Main and Giddings; Jessica Bryant; “More Than a Game.” Sponsor: Visalia Rawhide Baseball

19. S/E Main and Martin; John Stobbe; “Grapes.” Sponsor: Tetra Property Management Co. 20. S/W Main and Hall; Antonio Cuellar; “Camouflage.” Sponsor: Arts Visalia’s 2012 Board of Directors

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C charity

Ruiz 4 Kids Fiesta:

International Company Supports Local Childrensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Charities Text by Corey Ralston | Photos by Jen May Pastores

LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2012

any know Dinuba-based Ruiz Foods is famous for its frozen Mexican items available around the country – and even in some international locations. But did you know Ruiz Foods is a major supporter for children’s charities here in the Valley? On October 18, a huge fundraiser was held to benefit four local children’s charities in the annual Ruiz 4 Kids Fiesta event. The Visalia Convention Center was alive with the sights, sounds and smells of all things Vintage Latin, including an abundance of Mexican Cuisine, casino de la fiesta, and Flamenco Jucal with popular live and silent auctions. Patricia Summers, public relations officer for Ruiz Foods, said charities must complete a grant application. “The grant is for two years. Each of the four non-profits chosen are required to sell a minimum of $10,000 in ticket sales. Once they reach that goal they are then guaranteed a match for what they raise by what Ruiz 4 Kids raises and more,” Summers stated. The charities chosen this year were Wish Upon A Star, CASA of Tulare County, Visalia Police Activities League, and the Blind Babies Foundation; each of which received a piece of over $290,000. Wish Upon A Star helps children throughout the Central Valley and California with high risk and terminal illnesses. They believe in giving medicine for the spirit and providing special interaction with the children. “We believe that the granting of a wish is ‘medicine for the spirit’ and that the happiness these children experience can be so profound as to actually transcend the illness, allowing them a physical improvement that is often substantiated by medical tests,” their website explains. “While such an improvement is temporary, it does demonstrate that the human spirit, given a chance, can soar. As for the parents of these children, people who have been under great emotional and financial stress, the opportunity to join with their child in enjoying the happiness of these moments is a priceless gift in itself. For many parents, these moments become comforting memories.” Court Appointed Special Advocates of Tulare County (CASA) is an organization with more than 150 volunteers. Their goal is to give a voice to the abused, neglected and abandoned children in the county. The trained volunteers get to know children through weekly visits and get insight into their worlds. They, in turn, use this information to advocate for the children in court. Their mission statement reads: “To speak up for the innocent children who are victims of abuse and neglect, advocating for their safety and well being by training community volunteers to represent their best interests and be their voice in court.” The Visalia Police Activities League (PAL) is a citywide afterschool program that prevents crime by reaching out to local youth. Started in 1991, the mission of the program is to build good relationships with children and law enforcement. They want to “foster a bond with mutual trust and understanding between police officers and youth through interaction in a non-confrontational setting.” A variety of educational and recreational activities are offered to youth ages seven to 17 years of age, and catered to those youth who are deemed “at risk.” Through the process

charity C they hope to build self-esteem and keep kids in school and off the streets. The Blind Babies Foundation, which started in 1949 in Oakland, provides critical early intervention to those children with visual impairments. They offer educational services to families in the Tulare and Kings County areas through their “Off To A Good Start” program. “Our family-centered services are provided in the home environment and encourage every child’s development to the fullest degree possible with careful attention to their individual abilities and needs. These intensive services can help stimulate and enhance available vision, often preventing a further decline of visual acuity or total vision loss,” the foundation’s website states in its program overview. The event also took time to honor Skip Nugent, the recipient of the Danza Community Service Award. Nugent, who is the owner of the Best Buy markets chain, has had great success with his “Happy Hearts” charity campaign for Valley Children’s Hospital. Skip created Happy Hearts in 2003 to honor the memory of his late daughter, Heather, who passed away a few days before her eighteenth birthday from a car accident. Her last days were spent in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Children’s Hospital of Central California. Since Heather’s passing, Skip has rallied his employees and the communities of Hanford, Visalia and Lemoore to give back to Children’s Hospital and insure the hospital remains the safety net for children in the Central Valley for years to come. “Skip is a great asset to our community and exemplifies true leadership. His commitment and passion for community service in the Central San Joaquin Valley makes him the perfect choice,” said Kim Beck, Ruiz Foods chairwoman. All monies for Ruiz 4 Kids are raised through sponsorship, ticket sales, and live and silent auctions. “This year during the live auction we sold three Super Bowl trips (air fare, hotel, pre-parties, and tickets) at $24,000 each. That alone is huge,” Summers said. “We sold a live auction trip to Spain (air fare, three days/Madrid and two days/Barcelona, hotels) for $8,000. Our supporters are very generous and the quality of our live and silent auction items is excellent.” Ruiz 4 Kids’ primary mission is to make a difference in the life of a child. Ruiz 4 Kids was founded in 1990 when Ruiz Foods team members approached Fred Ruiz, asking him to help them explore ways to assist families with children in need. Since then, Ruiz 4 Kids has organized two annual fundraising events – a golf invitational to raise monies for college scholarships, and a fiesta event to raise monies for area non-profits that are in need to grow their children-focused programs. It was apparent to Ruiz Foods a long time ago that many good, solid organizations already exist and there was no need to create another organization to help children. “Giving back to the community is very important,” said Beck. “First of all, it’s just the right thing to do. Second, there is a definite need in our community.” L I F E S T Y L E | N O V E M B E R 2 012

S Soirée

32nd Annual Christmas Tree Auction:

The Legacy of Giving Continues Photo by Peter Amend

osted by the Visalia Chamber of Commerce, the Christmas Tree Auction has become a legacy in Visalia as local non-profits have used this black tie celebration to advance their mission through the donations they receive from the event. More than four million dollars has been raised for local charities in the last three decades and this year promises to be equally spectacular. The festivities will take place Friday, November 30 at the Visalia Convention Center as Tulare County rings in the 2012 holiday season in a spirit of tremendous giving. Once again, the “VIP Experience” will include a fully-catered, sit-down dinner as well as the live tree auction, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, and wine tasting. General admission includes dancing, hors d’ouevres, and wine. Anyone who has attended this holiday gala knows the trees are dazzling, the food is delectable, and the gowns are sure to spark

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conversation. Bubbles & Baubles is the theme of this year’s event, which spotlights 16 magnificent trees. Even so, the non-profits are the real stars of the show; volunteers have spent countless hours over the last year fundraising, planning, decorating the trees, and gathering silent auction items. Their reward is much-needed donations which keep their doors open and finance their mission to give back to the community. For a complete list of participating non-profits, go to www.visaliachamber.org. Often, the amounts bid for the trees exceed $10,000 – funds which are committed entirely to the charities. Last year’s event brought in nearly $300,000, underscoring the significance of this annual event and its impact on the budgets of local non-profit organizations. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of Visalia’s continuing legacy of generosity.

B BUSINESS PROFILE

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BUSINESS PROFILE B

Elaine Dakessian:

For the Love of Food and Family Text by Cheryl Dieter | Photo by Taylor Vaughn

ove is a mystery. Sometimes it suddenly grabs you and shakes you to your core, and other times it starts with something so familiar, you are unaware of its importance at the time. For chef/caterer/party planner and food aficionado Elaine Dakessian, her fierce and familiar love of family is what deepened her appreciation of the effects great food and family have upon one another. Reflecting on her impressionable years, “My parents were immigrants who met at a displaced persons camp in Austria after the war,” said Dakessian. “They knew each other six weeks and married in the camp. My dad grew up in Athens and my mom in Czechoslovakia. Even though they didn’t have much when they arrived here in 1949, they shared a belief that good food and love combine to nourish the soul, and as a result, all my life we ate good food and shared our love. Our lives centered on both.” While working at a lumber mill in Weed, California, Dakessian’s father was presented with a business opportunity; soon the family started building a liquor store/coffee shop and hotel business. Dakenssian’s first exposure to the food business came in the form of a “grand gesture” from her father: the graveyard shift at the 99 Café in Weed. Eventually her father’s business interests shifted south; in 1971, during the oil boom, he bought the Cambridge Inn and Steak House in Coalinga, opened the first mini-market in Kettleman City, and took advantage of business opportunities along the newly opened I-5 corridor. During this time Elaine was not cooking but bartending and running the floor at the restaurant. It wasn’t until she was in her twenties that she began contemplating how the plates should look coming out of the kitchen, and the importance presentation played in the overall enjoyment of a meal. That realization prompted her to enroll in the Culinary Institute of America in San Francisco. But then fate intervened. “I arrived in Visalia purely by accident. My father had passed away and then 60 days later my sister’s husband, Gary Dungan of Exeter, died. I had planned that my daughter, Gabrielle, and I would move to Monterey, but found I could not leave my family. We are a very small but very tight group. The four of us needed to stay together because of all the love and support we could give one another during this very sad and trying time in all of our lives,” Dakessian explained. By then, Dakessian knew she had talent as a chef; with her natural flair and love of entertaining, she made a name for herself in the catering business. Dakessian knows that for food to taste sublime, it has to be prepared with more than just a little love; the chef must know who will be at the table and possess the courage and innate ability to be able to meld contrasting flavors into something unique and spectacular. What really interested her was becoming a personal chef so she could create exquisite meals for families based on their personal tastes and dietary needs. After moving to Visalia, she joined the United States Personal Chef Association and began crafting food for clients in Fresno. From there she was asked to cater parties and events. She launched Très Bien in Visalia at the corner of Walnut and Demaree in 2006.

From box lunches, private dinners and interactive cooking classes, Dakessian worked hard to make a go of things and succeeded beyond her wildest dreams … until the economy came crashing down around her. The location had little foot-traffic, and many didn’t know her business existed. Everyone kept telling her, “If only you were Downtown. You need to be Downtown.” While she agreed, she wasn’t sure how to make that happen. Then one day, Mike Fligor, owner of Fugazzi’s restaurant, came to see Elaine and asked if she wanted to collaborate with him. “What Mike does was so different from what I was doing … I was somewhat afraid and not ready to make the jump. But then we reconnected several months ago and this time it just made sense and just felt right,” Dakessian explained. “We are both so passionate and driven about providing great food. And with Mike’s great staff, service, incredible resources, and enthusiasm for good food, combined with my flair for the unusual and an in-depth knowledge of international cuisine, I believe we will be unstoppable because there is no one catering out there that is quite like us.” More recently, Dakessian has cooked private dinners for some of Hollywood’s favorite actors, but she finds one of her biggest challenges has been providing the daily lunches served at St. Paul’s school in Visalia. As she explained, providing a variety of nutritious menus, such as turkey chili and stuffed tortillas to appeal to a child’s often-picky palate, while fun, also takes guts. Between developing a new bistro-type menu for Fugazzi’s, catering numerous events and occasions, and feeding school children, Dakessian is always on the run. Très Bien is also still keeping her busy, preparing private dinners and providing interactive cooking classes to anyone wanting to learn how to cook. Dakessian’s favorite activity remains crafting private dinners, as she is able to turn a person’s preliminary idea into something unexpected and uniquely personal for their guests. Another joy of cooking for Dakessian comes from donating her services to CASA for its annual fundraiser. “I just love Marilyn Barr and what CASA means to the children of the area so it is extremely important to me that I do whatever I can to help,” she said. For Dakessian, part of the fun of cooking is going to new places and trying new things. The thought of her all-time favorite dinner takes her back to a night at The Old Bath House in Pacific Grove, California, which began with a Tanqueray martini (perfection on ice), followed by Lobster Bisque, Beef Bindel (off the charts good) and a Grand Marnier soufflé for dessert (tasted like an angel kissed it). “I actually cried when they closed,” she exclaimed. She also lives by her motto, “I will travel anywhere to cook.” And that’s a good thing because with her daughter soon to be starring in a major motion picture, it is likely Dakessian will be doing a little more Hollywood-style cooking in the near future – both in Visalia and in Southern California – and that is just the way she wants it. Because for Dakessian, it doesn’t matter where she cooks just as long as she cooks, and the love follows along for the ride. L I F E S T Y L E | N O V E M B E R 2 012

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Love for The Meendering Home

PICTURED: The bright and colorful tile that details the Meenderingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s backyard can be found in all directions from the floors to the outdoor kitchen and bar area.

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Mexico

BRINGS FAMILY, FRIENDS TOGETHER Text by Lisa McEwen | Photos by Taylor Vaughn

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t’s not uncommon to go on vacation, fall in love with an area and want to bring the sights, sounds and feeling of relaxation back home with you. Whether it’s the food and ocean view, or the art and culture, some vacations leave you a changed person. Such a trip sparked a lifestyle change for Lyle and Lorri Meendering of Visalia, and slowly, they have turned their cul-desac home into their own little piece of paradise. “Eleven years ago, we took our first trip to Cabo San Lucas,” Lorri said, while walking through their Mexican-style home, where natural light from courtyard doors filters onto the wood floor and muted, warm walls. “It was one of those cheap Costco trips and we just fell in love with everything there.” So much so that the colors, architecture and floor plans typical of Mexico served as a blueprint for their six-year-old home in east Visalia. The biggest draw for the couple was the sport fishing for marlin in the sparkling blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. “We were hooked from the beginning,” Lorri said. As proof of that first trip, Lyle’s stunning marlin is mounted on a great room wall, beckoning the eye outside through glass to the garden reflections in the infinity pool. The rest of the home is well-appointed with period furniture, light fixtures and art. Plush carpeting and area rugs add warmth and texture to the spacious great room while the only “formal” side of the home is a cozy dining room with an ornate table and

chairs and sitting room adorned with pumpkins, fall leaves and orange corn-on-the cob candles. Cabinetry throughout the home is stained in nine different shades, from dark brown to warm blue. Mexican ceramic vessels line the shelves and countertops, adding splashes of color to the gourmet kitchen. Lorri gives credit to local decorator Annie Gilles for her help in making their home inviting and welcoming. “We never wanted an elegant home,” Lorri said. “We wanted everyone to feel comfortable here, to be sure our kids’ friends felt like they could come over and hang out.” The couple is especially proud of the fact that their home is energy efficient, with 12-inch exterior walls made of cement to keep interior temperatures mellow. The thick walls also mean the home is sheltered from city noise, adding a sense of calm. The recent addition of solar panels also means that the home is off the grid. “We didn’t want to be slaves to the energy bill,” Lorri said with a laugh. TOP: The entryway of the Meendering’s cul-de-sac home immediately introduces their guests to “Cabo San Lucas in Visalia” with bursts of color and a beautiful tiled floor. ABOVE: From left, Georan, Lorri, Lyle and Britni Meendering in their home away from home, Cabo San Lucas.

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Over the years, the couple has traveled to Cabo at least annually, bringing pieces from their travels home in suitcases and carry-on bags, including bright, colorful ceramic macaws that now rest in their succulent-filled backyard flower beds. “It’s just our spot, we feel comfortable there,” Lorri said, who typically goes barefoot through the 4,000-square foot home, like she’s just come in from the beach. “Cabo is like our second home.” Cabo represents fun and family time to the Meenderings, who traveled often with their children, Britni and Georan, now 21 and 18 respectively. The city at the tip of the Baja Peninsula also brings the busy family peace, a chance for a week of subdued existence where the only important items on the “to do” list are to relax, feel the sand between their toes and breathe the salty sea air. And fish. In fact, the couple just returned from a trip there with four other couples. Among the items they brought back were several pounds of fresh mahi mahi, caught off the coast and ready for the grill. The couple is planning a reunion barbecue, to relive their vacation and share their home with friends. “We built this house as a home, and by that I mean h-o-m-e,” Lyle said, spelling out the word. “We want people to feel at ease. We built this to enjoy it with other people. To me, it’s like a piece of art.” Which brings us back to Visalia and what could be considered Cabo San Lucas transported to Central California: their backyard. “Although we love Visalia, we didn’t want the feeling that we were in Visalia,” Lorri said. “I feel like I’m at a resort, and when we have friends and family over, they feel the same way.” Stepping over the threshold of the heavy, dark woodstained French doors from the kitchen to the backyard is like strolling into an oasis in the middle of the city. The serene infinity pool is to the left; the impressive outdoor kitchen and bar to the right. Straight ahead, a round table with a festive red umbrella invites guests to slip off their shoes and sip a fruity drink while admiring the beautiful gardens.

TOP: Every inch of the Meendering’s backyard is covered in exquisite tile, complemented by gardens of cacti, succulents, and other plant life reminiscent of Mexico. BOTTOM: Many fun and colorful guests can be found throughout the Meendering’s east Visalia home, including this pig overlooking the outdoor kitchen.

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But the backyard didn’t always look like this. The Meenderings transformed the area over the course of the past year and a half, finishing it just in time to host son Georan’s high school graduation party in June and Lyle’s 50th birthday party this fall. That meant the original cement patio had to be taken out with jackhammers. Motioning toward her neighbors, Lorri said, “Bless their souls.” With the expertise of Joe Carmona, of the former Carmona Nursery in Visalia, the Meenderings transformed the backyard into their own private resort. More than 140 pots of every shape and color filled with succulents and cacti bring the arid desert of Cabo San Lucas into the yard. “Joe has really become a part of our family with this project,” Lyle said. “The plan started with two paint stripes in the dirt, and between the two of us, it came together. It has opened up a whole new appreciation for cacti and succulents.” So much so that Lorri jokes they spend time and money at plant nurseries now instead of shopping malls. Lyle, who intended to return to college to earn another bachelor’s degree in architecture and landscape design (he already has a degree in electrical engineering), is living a dream of designing and maintaining his own landscape. The only drawback was a trip to the emergency room to extract a two-inch cactus needle from his right forearm. TOP: The infinity pool in the Meendering’s backyard is presented right outside the double doors of the master bedroom. BOTTOM: An intricate fountain located on the south side of the property features more of the vibrant tile located throughout the Meendering’s backyard and home.

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PICTURED:Â Another fine feature of the Meendering home is the central courtyard which boasts a fountain and fireplace, accessible from any side of the house.

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Though the backyard is designed for parties and entertaining, the Meenderings agree that it is also a respite for them from their daily lives. The couple came to Visalia from Iowa in the late 1980s, with everything they owned in their cars. They have been married 23 years, and give credit to each other, their commitment to a dream, and blessings from above. “It’s like therapy just to walk through here,” Lyle said, who operates JAM, a dairy construction business with a partner. “There is something always changing, always blooming. When I’m back here, I feel like I’m still in Cabo. You still have to have a job and go to work each day, but I still like to live as though I’m in Cabo and never leave home.”

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v i g s k nha

Small-Family

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Recipes by Elaine Dakessian | Photos by Taylor Vaughn

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ho said cooking Thanksgiving dinner had to be a big production? You can still have the golden poultry, decadent sweet potatoes, and hearty stuffing without all the hassle. For a small family, or just a Thanksgiving without the added stress of having to thaw the turkey for hours, this month’s recipes will fit perfectly into your holiday, and even give you time to enjoy it with family and friends. After all, that’s what it’s all about ... enjoying gourmet food is just a bonus.

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Stuffed

GAME HENS

(serves 6)

Rosemary Foccacia Stuffing

Ingredients: 1 large shallot, chopped 1 onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 2 stalks celery, chopped 6 T unsalted butter 3-4 leaves fresh sage, finely chopped 1/3 C dried cranberries 14.5 oz. can low sodium chicken broth 4 C cubed stale rosemary foccacia (There are all sorts of nice breads available at your market now that make great stuffing. Maxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rosemary Foccacia is my favorite, already well seasoned.) 2 large eggs 3/4 C lightly toasted pistachios (procedure follows), roughly chopped Salt and pepper to taste 6 Cornish hens, each weighing about 1.25 lbs., rinsed and patted dry Cheesecloth 1 stick unsalted butter, melted 2 C dry red wine

Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large, heavy skillet, cook the shallot, onion, celery and garlic in butter over moderate heat; stir until the vegetables are golden. Stir in sage, salt and pepper to taste, and cook the mixture, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove the skillet from heat and add to the prepared bread cubes. Add eggs, cranberries, pistachios, and chicken broth. Mix well and add salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cool before stuffing the hens. Divide the stuffing among the cavities of the hens, packing the cavities loosely. Truss the hens, sprinkle them with salt and pepper, and arrange them so that they do not touch on the rack of a large roasting pan. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Add the wine to the butter and mix. Cut the cheesecloth into pieces so that you have 6 that will cover each bird. Dunk the pieces into the butter/wine mixture, then drape over the bird, repeat until all 6 are covered with the cheesecloth. This bastes your bird and gives it a beautiful mahogany color. Roast the birds in the upper third of oven for 1 hour. To toast the pistachios: Toast the nuts in one layer in a baking pan in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are colored lightly. Remove, let cool and then roughly chop.

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C CULINARY

Stuffed

SWEET POTATOES WITH PISTACHIO BUTTER (serves 6)

Ingredients: 6 sweet potatoes (choose potatoes that are similar in shape, more round than long/ thin) 6 large carrots 2 cubes butter, softened at room temperature 1/2 C pistachios, roughly chopped, plus extra for garnish 2 shallots, finely chopped Juice of 1/2 lemon Kosher salt Directions: Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 375 degrees. Line baking sheet with foil. Pierce potatoes in several places with fork; place on prepared baking sheet. Bake until potatoes are tender when pierced with fork, about 55 minutes. Cool slightly. Meanwhile, steam the carrots until softened, about 20 minutes. Mash or blend in food processor, making sure there are no lumps. Cut off top 1/4 of each potato lengthwise; discard tops. Using a spoon, gently scoop out the pulp. Mash pulp and add the mashed carrots. Blend together. The carrots give a little more body and flavor to the mashed sweet potatoes. Make pistachio butter by placing the butter, shallots, lemon and pistachios in a food processor. Blend well and remove with a spatula into a bowl. Mix half the pistachio butter into the mashed carrot-sweet potato mixture, and place the mixture back into the potato jackets. Reheat for 10 to 20 minutes to heat through. Top with additional butter to garnish and sprinkle chopped pistachios over.

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C CHARITY

Shanghai AN EVENING IN

Text and Photos by Corey Ralston

PICTURED: Medical Director of The Guildâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Center, Dr. Philip Hyden.

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n the fight against child abuse, the Las Madrinas Guild is doing their best to help children. One of many guilds that feed into the Valley Children’s Hospital, this guild of over 130 members, is raising funds to assist the hospital in child abuse cases. Children’s Hospital Central California is a state-of-the-art hospital on a 50-acre campus with a medical staff of more than 525 physicians. In California, Children’s treats more inpatient cases than any pediatric hospital north of San Diego, making it the second largest children’s hospital in the state. Tulare County is one of 10 counties served by Children’s Hospital and in 2011, some 24,451 children from Tulare County were seen through outpatient visits; 1,136 surgery cases; and 1,657 inpatient cases. Members of the guild come from all over the Valley and include Tulare, Visalia, Porterville, Lindsay, Three Rivers and Exeter. The guild started in 1950 and has managed to up its game each year with fundraising. For the second year in a row, Las Madrinas has hosted “An Evening In Shanghai,” which draws people in with its delectable cuisines, amazing prize auctions, and good-old-fashioned gambling. On October 18 nearly 200 people came out, dressed to impress and ready to support a good cause. The Chinese Cultural Center in Visalia was the location of this very elegant evening of fine dining and casino-style gaming. This event featured a Champagne reception, hors d’oeuvres by the Wing Family of Imperial Dynasty, and dinner by the Vintage Press Restaurant. Each year the hospital gives the guild a wish list of things that are needed in the hospital. The guild members discuss and then vote on the projects they want to fundraise for. One year it was a Heliport, for example. The keynote speaker of the evening was Dr. Philip Hyden from the hospital. He brings more than 20 years’ experience to Children’s Hospital as medical director of The Guilds Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Center. Working in conjunction with outside organizations such as child welfare services and law enforcement, Dr. Hyden oversees suspected child abuse and neglect patients, focusing on expanding clinical services for these patients and research to address child abuse injuries. “Twenty percent of all cases that come into the hospital are suspected child abuse cases,” Hyden said to the dinner crowd.

“What can we do to make sure those injuries never happen again?” he asked. He went on to say that if it wasn’t for the guild that he would not be at the hospital doing his part. Currently Las Madrinas is working with other guilds to raise $5 million for needed projects. Last year $800,000 was donated to the child abuse endowment. “Thank you for your hopes and dreams for the program,” Hyden said. Tiffany Wainwright, an attendee of the night said that motherhood brings her to support the cause. “Being a mother of four, I work in the kids’ schools, and I see the kids’ needs. It is very near to my heart,” Wainwright said. A big draw to the event was the fabulous trunk raffle. Tickets to unlock the trunk were purchased by guest and at the end of the night the winners were revealed. Several trunks had vacation packages and even sporting event tickets. “I think that the trunk raffle was better this year, with prizes that were just over-the-top! Our members worked to put together themed trunks that not only had a fantastic main prize but all the accessories were fabulous on their own! For example, the hosted stay at a Shaver Lake cabin included gourmet meals prepared for the winners, ski lift passes for China Peak, hisand-hers UGG boots and more. The house in Carmel is the house that was featured in the movie ‘Play Misty for Me’ with Clint Eastwood. The Central Coast wine trunk included a stay at the wonderful Justin Winery Bed and Breakfast in Paso Robles, meals and, of course, wine,” Publicity Chair Suzanne Bianco said. Each attendee received a chip worth $100 to gamble for the cause. Tables were set up for Blackjack, Roulette and Craps. At the end of the night whoever ended up with the most winnings won additional prizes. The other main fundraiser for Las Madrinas is the chocolate truffle sale in January to be intended as gifts for Valentines Day. This mini-fundraiser has become a signature of the guild and always sells out each year. “Tulare County has a very generous spirit and it amazes me how engaged people are in our communities,” Bianco said.

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Dubai … One of a Kind Text by Cheryl Levitan

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Text by Marsha Roberts

f you were the ruler of a small, relatively inconsequential country and suddenly had a source of more money than you knew how to spend, what would you build? With a small native population, how would you make it attractive enough to encourage a large number of people to work and visit there while still retaining your culture? If the source of that income was projected to be exhausted by 2030, how would you ensure that you could sustain the economy once that initial source of revenue was gone? Those were the weighty questions that faced the Sheikh of Dubai when the value of his sandbox by the sea skyrocketed after the discovery of oil in 1966. The answers shaped Dubai, a futuristic architectural metropolis best described as “Disney does Las Vegas … on steroids.”

It’s a city of superlatives, where everything is an “est” (the biggest, longest, widest, tallest, and newest). Before the world’s fastest growing property market was derailed with the global economic crisis, the sky was dark with cranes. From 2006-2008, those cranes made Dubai look as if it was part of a Sci-Fi movie with metallic spider-like beings crawling over the city. Those were the days when everything developed was lauded as the first of something even bigger and better to come. The building carries on, but at a much slower pace with many projects sitting idle and partially finished. Plans for two more manmade islands and an even larger snow dome at the planned Dubailand theme park sit gathering dust.

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Rather than hyping what is to come, the focus has now shifted to appreciating what is already there. It is incredible! From the largest (74,000 sq. ft.) indoor ski resort to the tallest building in the world (2,700 ft.), Dubai makes jaws drop. The fountain show with synchronized lights and music at the Dubai Mall eclipses the fountain and light at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Even the office buildings appear to have been designed by architects playing geometric one-upmanship. Triangles, circles, and squares are stuck in and on buildings in ways that don’t even appear structurally sound. Yet the relative monochrome color palate of tan and blue (chosen to represent the sea and sand) makes these bizarre buildings seem to flow together … with the exception of the one adorned with huge painted figures of the Sheikhs of Dubai and neighboring Abu Dhabi. Ever felt dwarfed by a larger-than-life rendering of a local business person on a bus or billboard? Imagine a 100-foot tall picture complete with robes and headdress. Our favorite “ests” included a visit to the observation floor of the tallest building— the Burj Khalifa—where the views through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the 124th floor were amazing. Tea at sunset in the sail-shaped Burj al Arab Hotel was a highlight as well. Located on a manmade island, the rooms range from $1,000 to $48,000/ night, and it sports a restaurant built around a 35,000-cubic foot aquarium. Best of all was the seaplane ride over the manmade Palm Jumeirah Island (islands shaped like a palm tree and home to the Atlantis resort) and the World Islands (300 manmade islands grouped into the shapes of the world’s continents). Dubai is the largest of seven states or emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is a Muslim monarchy ruled by the Al Maktoums family since the 1800s. And although the UAE culture revolves around Islam and the traditional Arab and Bedouin way of life, Dubai itself is highly cosmopolitan with

an extremely diverse ethnicity. Eighty-five percent of Dubai’s inhabitants are expatriates (people born in another country and culture but well established in their current locale). So even though Islam and Arabic are the official religion and language, it doesn’t exactly feel like an authentic Arab country. Although many men are dressed in traditional white robes (called thobes) and head coverings (ghoutras) held on by black bands (egaals), it’s not uncommon to see them drinking at a bar, despite the fact that Islam forbids the consumption of alcohol. Few outside a mosque even appear to take note when the adhan (the normally haunting and poignant Islamic call to prayer) broadcasts from the minarets. The sheer newness of everything actually makes Dubai feel relatively devoid of culture and history. Even the historic sites were more recreated than original. The area’s geography made it an important port and trading hub long before oil financed modern Dubai. It is along this historic natural saltwater inlet port of Dubai Creek where we went looking for anything more than 40 years old (besides ourselves!). We walked through recreated villages, markets (souks), and historic homes housing stores with shopkeepers dressed in ancient style … everything rebuilt and pristine. The museum in the old fort depicting Arab life was complete with life-sized dioramas, mannequins, and sound. It was eerily similar to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland, minus the lady chasing the scared pirate, never reaching him to plant a kiss. The only experience in the old city that felt authentic was a dhow ride on the Dubai Creek. From the open-air second level, we watched as boats loaded goods destined for neighboring areas much as they did long ago, now juxtaposed with this ultra-modern city. Although the native Emiratis are a minority in Dubai, they are the majority in one spot … the malls. The Emiratis have taken shopping to a whole new level; the sheer volume and variety

PICTURED: Dhow boats and smaller water taxi on historic port of Dubai Creek.

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of stores is overwhelming. With no taxes, the prices are a little cheaper than in the United States, unless, of course, you visit during the month-long shopping festival from January to February when merchandise from around the world is offered at drastically reduced prices amid food carts and musical presentations and contests. For the residents of the UAE, as well as the surrounding countries – Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman – shopping in Dubai’s malls is not just where families come to spend the day, it’s a vacation destination. The malls are designed with a myriad of other activities, attractions, and restaurants. Shopping aside, it was satisfying to simply walk and observe the unbelievable variety of women’s black robes (abayas) and veils (hijabs). These ranged from thick material that obliterated the fact that a female was underneath, to thin and filmy material that barely covered jeans, tall heeled boots, and elaborate eye makeup. Some veils were little more than a string hanging from forehead to nose which was attached to a horizontal piece across the lips that looked oddly like a mustache. The decision as to which one to wear probably has to

do with country of origin and religious sect. (I was dying to know but every time I even looked as if I might ask someone or take a photo, my husband gave me “the look.” Over 30 years of marriage has taught him to transmit a wide variety of messages with just a glance. This was the, “If you cause an international scene by asking rude or prying questions, I will not even visit you in whatever lockup they place you in.”) I finally felt it was safe to ask a non-Arab waiter at a mall restaurant if the groups of women entering were going to a special room where they could remove their veils to eat. “No,” he said, “they lean forward and slip food underneath.” (Really?! I manage to spill food on myself without a veil to contend with … this additional encumbrance would spell disaster.) Besides the malls, a more “authentic” Arabian shopping experience can be experienced at the Gold Souk in the old city. Consisting of a maze of narrow lanes lined with hundreds of jewelry stores with the best prices on gold, few men would brave taking their wife there. My husband (and his wallet) was secure in the knowledge that I prefer silver to gold.

PICTURED: From the observation deck of the Burj Kalifa you can see the fountains, Dubai Mall to the left, and 63-story residential tower in the center.

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A few tips if you plan a trip to Dubai: • Severe sandstorms in May through July, and the summer’s 118 degree days with 80-90 percent humidity lowered hotel prices. The sandstorms we experienced in March and the frequency of retouched advertising photos leads me to believe sandstorms are fairly common all year. • Roads are open and plentiful, but have few exits. Cabs often have to travel far beyond your destination and double back … gas is cheap, so this affects time more than price. There’s no quick way to get anywhere unless your destination is on the same side of the same road. • Women dress conservatively. Scarves aren’t required unless you enter a mosque, but leave the revealing clothes home, as they are considered rude. Same with public displays of affection, including holding hands. • Book inexpensive tickets online 30 days in advance for the observation floor of the Burj al Kalifa. No tickets are available once there. Plan to eat dinner at the Dubai Mall next door on one of the restaurants’ terraces to watch the fountain and light show at the base of the Burj. In a land with very little rain, desalinization provides plentiful, but expensive, water. • Book a late tea at the Burj al Arab Hotel. If you aren’t a guest, the only way to enter is a meal reservation. Tea is the least expensive. Going late in the day ensures you will be there for the views and lights at night. • Dubai has no sewage system. Trucks pick up sewage and drive to a treatment plant south of the city. Long lines for unloading have encouraged trucks to illegally dump in order to make more trips causing increased pollution at fine beach resorts. • A two-hour pass at the five-run, 25-story tall, indoor ski/snowboard/toboggan/snow play resort in the Emirates Mall is inexpensive and includes all gear and clothing. Cool off in the 30 degree environment. If you just want to see it, eat in one of the mall restaurants … all the windows face the snow. • Consider a dune-busting tour or sand-boarding in the desert dunes just one hour beyond the city. If you’ve never seen a real Bedouin camp, they are there as well and worth the trip. Prepare for the heat and bring lots of water. • No central hotel area exists with easy access to everything. Try to group sites according to location in order to maximize your travel time, or buy a pass for a hop-on-hop-off double decker bus which includes a free dhow cruise.

TOP: Dean Levitan in front of the largest indoor aquarium located at Dubai Mall, 3 stories high, 150 ‘ wide. MIDDLE: Modern styled abayas with decoration at Dubai Mall. BOTTOM: The lobby of the Burj al Arab Hotel shaped like a sail of a dhow. L I F E S T Y L E | N O V E M B E R 2 012

F FASHION

Boot Kickin’ Know-How: Dos and Don'ts of WEARING BOOTS Text by Sharon Mosley

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oots are getting a quick fashion kick into fall; from classic equestrian styles to va va vroom biker boots, pumped-up wedge platforms, and gemencrusted evening peep-toes, there’s a boot for every occasion. Laces, spats, buckles, and buttons all make this year’s collection a huge hit. With all this “booty” out there, one pair of boots is never enough. But there are a few dos and don’ts when it comes to getting the most bang for your boot bucks. Fashion expert and author Amy Goodman knows a good boot when she sees one. In her latest book, Wear This, Toss That, she kicks around a lot of advice on what to wear with all kinds of boot styles. Here are some of her tips:

The Ankle/Peep-Toe Bootie. Do slide on with skinny leggings or opaque tights in a matching (for playing it safe) or bright (for making a statement) color, jeans tucked into the boots, or frilled dresses that end at the knee and miniskirts. Don’t pair with cropped or Capri pants, cocktail dresses, skirts or dresses that hit below the knee if you have shapely calves.

The Under-the-Knee Boot. Do slide on with nearly everything, she said. “It is the go-to, save-me option for women, as it slims the calf.” Don’t pair this boot style with knobby or chunky knees. “Because of where this boot ends, it draws attention to that area,” she said.

The Rocker/Biker Boot. Do slide on with the shortest hemline you can muster, with leggings to show off the boots. Skinny jeans also hit the mark for a complete rocker chic ensemble. Goodman advises not pairing these chic boots with wide-leg trousers, which give too much of a clunky feel on the bottom half.

The Mid-Calf Boot. Do slide on with a shorter hemline to create leg length. Don’t pair with a knee-length skirt because this style bisects your calves at the meatiest part of the muscle, making uncovered legs look stumpy.

The Over-the-Knee Boot. Do slide on with dark, opaque tights, tucked-in leggings or jeans, skirts or dresses that fall a few inches from the top of the boot. Don’t pair with skirts or dresses that hit right at the top of the boot. “And beware if you dare to go bare,” said Goodman. “Thighs might look larger than you’d like.”

The Equestrian/Riding Boot. Do slide on this classic favorite with leggings and other tailored pants that are tucked into the boot. Also wear with short skirts paired with leggings. Don’t pair with wide-leg pants or three-quarterlength skirts or dresses, as they look frumpy with flat boots. The Western Boot. Do slide on with all types of denim (tucked or untucked), long skirts, floral printed frocks, any casual look to rope in the cool factor. Don’t pair with other Western pieces – the goal is not to look like an actual cowgirl. Whoopee!

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P PERFORMANCES Text By Marsha Peltzer

HOLIDAY CONCERT December 14, 2012, 7:30p – Visalia Fox Theatre

he second Holiday Concert, presented last year by the Symphony proved to be such a success that it has become a tradition. Some season ticket holders included this concert in their packages but check to make sure you selected it. It will probably sell out! Please note that the concert is on Friday this month. This year’s concert includes music of the season – and not just the “Christmas Season.” Music Director Bruce Keisling is definitely adept at creating music from every genre and selecting musicians and performers of all ages. Music from the new holiday classic The Polar Express, favorites from the “Nutcracker Suite,” and the Manheim Steamrollers version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” are just a few of the selections. There will be a combined Elementary School choir under the direction of Caitlin Johansen and another choral director, Churchill Cook, will lead the mixed adult choir in a surprise rendition of the “Halleluiah Chorus” from the Messiah. Last but not least there will be other holiday songs and Keisling’s favorite “Sing Along.” This concert will definitely enhance the holiday spirit! ADOPT A MUSICIAN The Symphony Board of Directors is again offering an opportunity to “Adopt A Musician.” This program, spearheaded by long-time member and past President Florence Kabot, is designed to give concert-goers an opportunity to get to know the musicians personally, to sit in on a rehearsal or two and, of course, to generate some income. It was very successful last year and there are still some “orphans” this season, so get busy and call the Symphony office to sign up. It is a wonderful way to support our Symphony and to further interest in the musicians. A mere $100 allows you a full year of “parenthood.”

SPOTLIGHT ON THE MUSICIANS Janet Grizzell – First Violinist Janet attended California State University majoring in Music Education and Performance. There she studied violin with Werner Lywen, former concert master to the late Leonard Bernstein. In 1974 Janet graduated cum laude with a BA in Music Education and she received a teaching credential in 1975. Janet’s first teaching position was with the Napa Valley School District where she taught elementary strings, band and classroom music from 1975 to 1977. During her tenure there she was very active as principal violist of the Napa Symphony, and as violin and viola player in the Vallejo and Santa Rosa Symphonies. In 1977 Mrs. Grizzell began teaching music in the Visalia Unified School District and resumed playing violin with the Fresno Philharmonic, a position she had first held as a college freshman. By 1984 the Grizzells had moved with their young family (two lovely daughters) to the Los Angeles area. While living there, Janet played professionally in recording studios and numerous large church venues. Later she continued teaching elementary and middle school strings in the Palmdale Unified School District. Janet played first violin in the Antelope Valley Symphony and in 1989 became Founding Director of the Palmdale Youth Symphony. Since returning to Visalia in the early ’90s Janet has remained active as both educator and performer. She is the Orchestra Director at Golden West and Redwood High Schools. She was the founding director of the Sequoia Youth Symphony at College of the Sequoias. She also chairs committees for special string workshops for fiddlers, violas and cellos, and spends additional time coaching student string quartets. Janet has served in leadership capacities in many professional groups. She continues to be active as an adjudicator and guest conductor of various honor groups. In 2008 she was selected by the California Music Education Association as “Orchestra Director of the Year.” Along with everything else, Janet teaches private students and is an active member of the Kaweah String Quartet. Fore information about the quartet and the upcoming concert, contact the Symphony Office: 732-8600

PICTURED: Janet Grizzell

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IN THE COMMUNITY

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1. Devin NAunes – Family HealthCare Network Goshen Grand Opening 2. Cafe 225’s Karl Merten and KSEE 24’s Matt Otstot at Oktoberfest 3. Rosemary Hernandez EECU Regional Manager with Tiffaney and Megean 4. Tom Hansen, Sue and Don Presser at Oktoberfest

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IN THE COMMUNITY

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3. 2012 Miss Exeter Court at the Annual Fall Festival Parade 1. San Joaquin Valley Omnium in Downtown Exeter 2. Exeter City Manager Randy Groom, Resident Paula Landers and Mayor Pro Tem Robyn Stearns at the Miss Exeter Coronation Dinnera

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4. 2010 Exeter Woman of the Year Barbara Sally, Danielle Sutton, and 2011 Exeter Woman of the Year Judy Davenport at the Exeter Bank of the Sierra Mixer 5. Exeter Union High School Marching Band at the Exeter Fall Festival Parade

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1. Cal Colvin and Melissa Kaminski at SA Recycling 2. Kerissa Chapman with the International Ag Adventure Cow 3. Councilman Skip Barwick and Cal Colvin at Donut Factory 4. Nina Akin, president:CEO of Tulare Chamber, Philip Smith visiting with Adam Brubaker, owner of Tulare Grocery Outlet

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New and Old World Mash Up The Tulare County Symphony presents Rachmaninoff, opening with his best known concerto, Piano Concerto #2, and concludes with Dvorak’s musical love letter to America, his symphony, From the New World. When: Nov. 17; 7:30-9p Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 307 E. Main St. Visalia Contact: 739-4600

Theater & Performances

NOV 25

Music at the Main Presents: Simon Porter One of North America’s most promising young violinists, Ms. Simone Porter by age 16 had already soloed with the Royal Philharmonic in London, had performed on the nationally syndicated PBS program From the Top at Carnegie Hall, was featured in the BBC documentary The World’s Greatest Musical Prodigies, and last year was the 2011 Davidson Fellow Laureate, arguably the highest honor that can be bestowed on a young musician. When: Nov. 25; 3p Where: Main Street Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 635-1761 A Tuna Christmas A Tuna Christmas is the hilarious sequel to Greater Tuna, and the second in a series of Tuna comedies. Set in the fictional town of Tuna, Texas, the delightfully eccentric citizens of Tuna attempt to cope with the traumas and dramas of the season. Questions abound at Radio Station OKKK: Who will win the annual yard display contest? Who is the Christmas Phantom? And what does a UFO have to do with the Yuletide Season? It’s a holiday that’s bound to be the topic of gossip for decades to come. When: Nov. 30, Dec 2; 7-9, 14-16 Where: Icehouse Theatre, 410 E. Race Ave., Visalia Contact: 734-3900 or www.visaliaplayers.org

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Wyndfall Chamber Music Series: Holiday Classics Flute, harp and piano – listen to Christmas classics with the Wyndfall Trio and the popular Wyndfall Flute Orchestra. Tickets: $25. Call for ticket information. When: Dec. 2, 3p Where: The Spiritual Awareness Center, 117 S. Locust St., Visalia Contact: 592-9592 or www.wyndfallchamberseries.com Annual Holiday Concert Tulare County Symphony’s annual performance with traditional winter and holiday tunes, featuring local soloists and local children’s choir. When: Dec. 14; 7:30-9p Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 732-8600 or www.tcsymphony.org

Art Exhibits Near and Far: Landscapes by Japanese Artists; Rotation 1: Imagination of Nature This rotation focuses on works by Japanese painters that feature fictitious landscapes. It introduces to the visitor not only the principles of landscape painting in Japan, but also the concept of creating an ideal landscape and its role within the art of painting. When: Sept. 2 – Dec. 22 Where: The Clark Center for Japanese Art and Culture, 15770 Tenth Ave., Hanford Contact: 582-4915

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Race Against Hunger Visalia Emergency Aid Council will hold its eighth annual 5k run and two-mile walk fundraiser on Thanksgiving morning. This year will also have a Kids Race (12 years and younger). Now the largest 5k race in the Central Valley (nearly 4,000 participants in 2011), the popular race raises money to feed, clothe, and provide emergency shelter for needy children and their families, year-round. Come out for this fun, family event, and be a participant in spreading holiday cheer this season! Register online or at Sole 2 Soul in Visalia by November 18, or on race day at 6:30 a.m. When: Nov. 22; 8a (7:30a for Kids Race) Where: Downtown Visalia, corner of Main and Garden Contact: 732-0101 or www.veac.org

The Kaweah’s High Reaches in History: Historic Photographs of the Great Western Divide An exhibition of stunning, large-format, historic panoramic photographs of the Great Western Divide. The images include the work of George Belden and Lindley Eddy, who produced in Sequoia National Park during the early twentieth century and to which many of the most iconic images of this treasured national park are credited. When: Oct. 31 – Nov. 30 Where: Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 739-0905 Granite Territory: Solo Exhibition by Jane Ziegler A solo exhibition of drawings and paintings of the Sierra Nevada by artist Jane Ziegler. An avid horsewoman, Ziegler takes annual summer pack trips into the Kings Canyon backcountry, hauling paper and canvas along the way. When: Oct. 31 – Nov. 30 Where: Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 739-0905

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DEC 8

First Saturday Food, fun and fabulous art. Every first Saturday of the month, the artists, restaurants and merchants of Three Rivers open their doors and invite you to join in a town-wide celebration. You can pick up a map and schedule at Anne Lang’s Emporium or the Historical Museum – the flier shows all participating venues, art to see, locations and times for special events. When: Dec. 1; 10a-5p Where: Anne Lang’s Emporium, 41651 Sierra Dr. (CA 198), Three Rivers Contact: Nadi Spencer, 561-4373 or www.1stSaturdayTR.com Christmas at “The Gallery” Join the Courthouse Art Gallery & Museum this season for their holiday art auction, silent auction, fine food, specialty wines, and entertainment. Tickets available at Exeter Chamber of Commerce. Tickets $40; raffle tickets $10. When: Dec. 8, 4:30p Where: Courthouse Art Gallery & Museum, 125 S. B St., Exeter Contact: 592-2919

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Candy Cane Lane Parade In its 67th year, this year’s theme is “A Fairy Tale Christmas,” with Grand Marshall Jack Hayslett. Grab your blankets and chairs, and grab a seat on the side walk on Main Street in Downtown Visalia. When: Nov. 26; 7p Where: Downtown Visalia Contact: 732-7737 or www.downtownvisalia.com

Diversions & Excursions

DEC 1

Spirit of the Holidays The Exeter Kiwanis Club will kick off the holiday fundraising season with its annual “Spirit of the Holidays” wine tasting. This semi-formal sell-out event will be an evening to sip wines, nosh on delicious hors d’oeuvres prepared by local restaurants, and bid during a silent auction, as well as a live auction of fully decorated Christmas trees. Tickets are $50 and available at http://soth2012.eventbrite.com. When: Dec. 1; 4-7p Where: Exeter Veterans Memorial Building, 324 N. Kaweah Ave., Exeter Contact: www.exeterkiwanis.org Visalia Smooth Dancers’ Christmas Ball Brought to you by the Visalia Smooth Dancers, established in 1975, come celebrate the holidays with ballroom dancing, dinner and entertainment! This year’s theme: The Lights the Night of Christmas. Make reservations by November 26. When: Dec. 1; 6:30-11p Where: Sons of Italy Hall, 4211 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia Contact: Nancy 786-9626 or www.visaliasmoothdancers.com

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8th Annual Holiday Home Tour Presented by the Redwood High School Ranger Band and Color Guard. This year’s theme, “Seasonal Sights and Sounds.” Five decorated holiday homes on tour with light refreshments and live music performed by members of Redwood High School Band. Start tour at Quail Park Retirement Village where you can do a bit of holiday shopping and have a chance to win gift baskets donated by local vendors. Tickets: $15 (advance); $20 (day of). When: Dec. 1; 12-5p Where: Quail Park, 4520 W. Cypress Ave., Visalia Contact: 936-8511 or www.redwoodrangerband.org

DEC 6

Exeter Woman’s Club Christmas Home Tour Join us in Exeter to tour four beautifully decorated homes, live music throughout the evening, hot cocoa, and snacks. Pre-sale tickets ($15) available at Exeter Chamber of Commerce, Antiques by the Water Tower, Franey’s (Visalia), and Scripture House (Visalia). Maps & booklets available at Clubhouse, which will have refreshments and bathrooms, or feel free to start at any of the tour homes listed on website. When: Dec. 6; 4:30-8p Where: Exeter Women’s Club, 201 N. Kaweah Ave., Exeter Contact: 799-3641 or www.exeterwomansclub.com

happenings H

Mystery of the Christmas Star New show! This modern reference to the traditional Christmas story investigates possible dates for the birth of Christ and looks at recorded sightings of significant astronomical events during this important time in history. What signs in the sky might have been so intriguing as to cause three wise men to cross a desert in search of a newborn King? Mystery of the Christmas Star will answer all of these questions and more, while charming audiences of all ages. Tickets $4. When: Dec. 7 and 14; 7p Where: Pena Planetarium, 2500 W. Burrel Ave., Visalia Contact: 737-6334

DEC 14

Nutcracker Ball Exeter Woman’s Club presents this semi-formal dinner/dance, silent auction, no-host bar, with music by Run 4 Cover. The Exeter Woman’s Club is a charitable non-profit organization committed to community service, the community’s youth and fellowship with one another. When: Dec. 14; 6:30-11p Where: Exeter Women’s Club, 201 N. Kaweah Ave. Contact: 592-6738 or www.exeterwomansclub.com

Downtown Visalia’s Holiday Open House Enjoy exceptional shopping and dining while listening to your favorite holiday tunes from strolling musicians. Take a ride on our horse-drawn carriage for just $5 (up to four people) then stop by 109 W. Main Street for your $5 photo with Santa. New this year is the Spectacular Polynesian Fire Dancing Team performance at 7 p.m. west side of Encina Street on November 29, December 6 and 13. Bring a canned food items to support our month-long food drive benefitting a local food pantry. When: Thursday evenings, November 29, December 6, 13, and 20; 5-8p. Where: Downtown Visalia Contact: 732-7737 or www.downtownvisalia.co Visalia Farmers’ Market – Harvest of the Valley Weekly event open to the public featuring free live music, kids’ activities, cooking demonstrations and local, fresh produce available for purchase. The market also accepts EBT and WIC. When: Saturdays, 8-11:30a Where: Sears parking lot at Mooney and Caldwell, Visalia Contact: 967-6722 or www.visaliafarmersmarket.com

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32nd Annual Christmas Tree Auction The Visalia Chamber of Commerce presents the Christmas Tree Auction – this year’s theme is Bubbles and Baubles. This event is sure to put you in the holiday spirit, as donations will benefit more than 30 charities. Come to look at the beautifully decorated trees (or bid on one), participate in live and silent auctions, enjoy a sit-down dinner (VIP only), wine, and entertainment. VIP tickets $125; general admission $60. When: Nov. 30; 7:30-11:30p Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: 734-5876 or www.visaliachamber.org

NOV 16

Charitable Events

Writers & Readers

Festival of Trees The Tulare Hospital Foundation’s Winter Gala is a semi-formal dinner dance with live tree auction. Enjoy a cocktail hour, dinner, and silent and live auctions. Tickets $100. Limited to 450 guests. When: Nov. 16; 5:30p Where: International Agri-Center, 4500 S. Laspina St., Tulare Contact: 685-3438 or www.tulareregional.org

Tulare County Library First Tuesday Book Club (Nov. 6, 6:30p) Socrates Cafe (Nov. 13, 6:30p) Mystery Readers (Nov. 21, 6:30p) Where: Tulare County Library, 200 W. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 713-2700 or www.tularecountylibrary.org

Stuff the Trolley All are welcome to bring canned and nonperishable food items to stuff the Visalia Downtown Trolley! All donations will go toward FoodLink’s vision, “No Child Goes Hungry.” When: The month of November Where: Various locations Contact: 651-3663 or www.foodlinktc.org

Event Listings

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