December 2012

HOME TOUR

The BOYAJIAN Home

A Magnet For Family Christmas Traditions

CULINARY

The OTHER HOLIDAY INSTITUTION

Beef Wellington and Sweet Potato Mash

SPIRITS

HOLIDAY COCKTAILS

Jolly Drinks for a Happy Holiday

December 2012

ECRWSS RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER LOCAL

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

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24 HOME TOUR The Boyajian Home

SPIRITS

Holiday Cocktails Jolly Drinks for a Happy Holiday

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Letter from the Executive Editor

10 Business Cents: Taking Advantage

of Low Interest Rates 12 Word Play 14 Local Adventure: Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride 16 Literary Arts: James Espinoza

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34 Living Lively 42 Travel: Park City, Utah

CHARITY

Festival of Trees The Tulare Hospital Foundation’s Winter Gala

48 Fashion 50 Performances 52 Chamber: Visalia 54 Chamber: Exeter 56 Chamber: Tulare 58 Happenings

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22 CULINARY

The Other Holiday Institution Beef Wellington and Sweet Potato Mash

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ABOVE: Christmas is synonymous with family at the Boyajian home, as made evident by the stockings hung by the fireplace and the ornaments that decorate the tree – all of which hold a special sentiment with family members.

DECEMBER 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 Content Editor KYNDAL KENNEDY Copy Editor DARA FISK-EKANGER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS cheryl L. dieter corey ralston Diane Slocum DONALD K. DEJONGE LISA Mcewen MARSHA PELTZER ROB YOUNG RYAN LUCAS sharon mosley BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Malkasian Accountancy LLP Gary Malkasian CPA JEFFREY Malkasian EA Operations Manager Maria Gaston

RACK LOCATIONS

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

210 Cafe Creekside Day Spa & Wellness Center Exeter Chamber of Commerce Exeter Golf Course Holiday Inn Kaweah Delta Hospital Red Carpet Car Wash 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.

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

Facebook.com/LifestyleMag

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.

Circulation of this issue: 15,000 © 2012 DMI Agency

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COVER PHOTO: Christmas fills the rooms of the Boyajian home, bringing family together.

LEFT: ‘Tis the season for holiday cheer at the Boyajian home in Visalia’s prestigious The Lakes community.

E EDITOR NOTE

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

It wasn’t too long ago I heard a valuable truth from my daughter … You can learn a lot about a person’s character from what they post on Facebook. Instinctively I knew that, but to hear her say it created a pause in my day.

Sure, with five children and a dozen nieces and nephews, more than once I’ve hidden a poster from my newsfeed for a while. Culture and vocabulary phases teenagers go through are somewhat expected, even if not approved. But, the teenagers have yet to grieve me as much as some of my peers during the recent election. I understand passionate debates. I understand differences of opinion. I love our independence and our right to vote. But what I don’t understand is the need to spew anger and hatred on a public, social platform. For crying out loud, it’s the Christmas season, isn’t it? Where did all the charity, the peace, the kindness go? Whether in the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat, or just the regular pace of life – you can tell a lot about a person’s character by what they post on Facebook.

In spite of a few unfortunate rantings, it is encouraging to note that there are still so many people who embody the spirit of giving in our community. Recently, the Tulare Hospital Foundation’s Winter Gala was overflowing with holiday spirit.

Guests meandered through the white winter wonderland, and bid generously on a number of themed trees, such as “Santa’s Little Helpers.” A recap of the enchanted evening and photos are found on page 22.

There’s certainly no lack of Christmas spirit at the Scott and Sharon Boyajian home, this month’s Home Tour feature. At first glance it might appear that the anchor is the stunning 12-foot Christmas tree in front of the large bay window or the extensive collectible village. Not so, according to the Boyajian’s; the true meaning of Christmas is found in the joy of family and friends.

Turn to page 24 for the rest of the story and gorgeous photos.

As the year comes to an end, we can’t think of a better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to use our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/LifestyleMag) to gather goodwill. As you “log on” this season, please take a few moments to share stories of generosity and random acts of kindness you experience or witness this month, and throughout the year. May each of you be abundantly blessed with health, happiness and peace.

Karen Tellalian, EXECUTIVE EDITOR For more information or to submit a story idea email Karen@dmiagency.com or www.facebook.com/LifestyleMag call (559) 739-1747 or fax (559) 738-0909.

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B BUSINESS CENTS

Navigating the Next Four Years:

Taking Advantage of Low Interest Rates Text by Donald DeJonge, Financial Advisor, Northwestern Mutual

W

ith the presidential election still fresh on everyone’s mind, achieving your financial security plan should be a personal priority. As future policies are hashed out in Washington, you’ll need to navigate the environment at home by making decisions on everything from low interest rates to tax-saving opportunities. Here are some strategies to consider as you approach the year-end.

A new perspective on ‘environmental impact’ The low-interest-rate environment is getting a lot of attention from people who want to invest their funds carefully but worry about the impact of relatively small returns. The positives – namely record low borrowing costs – are offset somewhat by limited growth in conservatively invested portfolios. As we approach year-end, a number of potential tax code changes are up for consideration. In addition, the Federal Reserve has indicated it will keep interest rates low through mid-2015.

The more you think about the implications of these decisions on your financial plan now, the better you’ll be able to weather whatever changes the future may bring. Here are some ways to take advantage of the upside while preparing for adjustments ahead: 1. Lock in for the right reasons. With borrowing costs at or near all-time lows, now may be an ideal time to reevaluate any debt.

If you haven’t already, investigate options to refinance your mortgage, consolidate loans or renegotiate credit card balances at lower rates.

2. Focus on capital preservation. Rather than spending considerable effort growing returns in this environment, look at strategies that will help you maintain the assets you have.

When it comes to saving, it may not be the best time to invest in long-term, fixed-interest-rate vehicles. It may be better to direct some assets to another part of your portfolio that would allow flexibility for future growth.

3. Stay diversified. It’s a good time to evaluate your diversified portfolio and reallocate if needed to adapt to the current environment and possible changes ahead. Be sure that it can deliver a reasonable rate of return while reflecting your risk tolerance and time horizon. Even in the fixed-income segment, which is traditionally viewed as a more conservative

marketplace, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Within the fixed-income market, there are many sectors you can invest in – from corporate and municipal bonds to U.S. Treasuries.

4. Re-think risk. Work with your financial advisor to be sure you are aware of the risks you are taking that can affect your ability to fund your financial plan or achieve other goals, such as taking care of loved ones. You can help manage those risks through a financial plan that includes disability insurance, life insurance, and a strategy to pay for long-term care needs. This protection is even more important when low interest rates may limit growth in your assets. Ask about a waiver of premium option that keeps the insurance in force if you become unable to work. You may also be interested in learning about the option to have benefits increase with inflation.

5. Maximize your retirement savings. Regardless of the economic environment, saving for retirement is essential, but adding to your 401(k) or Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is especially important in these uncertain tax times. Work with your financial representative to evaluate your investment choices to make sure they work for you within these savings vehicles, and to help you determine the mix of investments that align with your goals, time horizon and risk tolerance.

6. Pay attention to after-tax returns. Consider the impact of taxes on your overall financial picture. In light of potential tax law changes, be sure to consult your tax professional to learn about moves you may be able make before the end of 2012 to take advantage of current tax rates. You might consider converting to a Roth IRA, making gifts to family members, or assessing assets that would be subject to capital gains taxes.

7. Take advantage of the power of compounding. Whatever your age or life stage, the reinvestment of income is a powerful tool to help your assets grow. From simple savings accounts to retirement and investment portfolios, over the years you can multiply your assets simply by letting them grow through the power of compounding.

8. Watch your personal balance sheet. You can’t invest in a vacuum, but you need to be conscious of all aspects of your financial picture, especially in a low-interest-rate environment.

Pay close attention to your personal spending by setting and following a household budget. You can impact your own “rate of return” by spending less than you make and saving consistently so your assets continue to grow.

A low-interest-rate environment presents both challenges and opportunities for investors. Contact your financial advisor and CPA to discuss which strategies might make sense for your specific needs and ways to incorporate them into your financial security plan.

Donald DeJonge is a Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for the sales and distribution arm of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, Wisconsin, its affiliates and subsidiaries.

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LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2012

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W WORD PLAY

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

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f it isn’t foggy out yet, it most likely will be soon. For books that match the gloomy weather, start with The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley (Reissued by Del Rey in 2000). The Camelot legend is told through the eyes of the female characters. Top billing goes to Morgaine (Morgan Le Fay), with Gwenhwyfer (Guinevere) seen in a less sympathetic light than usual.

House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III (reprinted March, 2011 by W.W. Norton & Company) was a National Book Award finalist, Oprah Book Club pick, and a New York Times bestseller.

It tells the story of an Iranian colonel who struggles to make a new life in America. He has the misfortune of buying a house from an evicted woman who will stop at nothing to get it back.

For a more positive book, even in the face of tragedy, there is Seeing Through the Fog: Hope When Your World Falls Apart by Ed Dobson (October, 2012 by David C. Cook). Dobson was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease more than 10 years ago and has faced the struggles it brings with hope and an understanding that despite discouragement and loss, suffering can reveal the true beauty in our lives.

Valley Writers Exeter author Sylvia Ross’ latest novel, East of the Great Valley: The Story of Merab McCreary was published in September. Set in the Sierra foothills beginning in 1856, it tells the story of a Native American child who was adopted by a white family after her band was slaughtered. Her book is carefully researched to give a picture of family life in those days as well as revealing the attitudes many people held toward those they considered different. Ross is of Yokuts lineage and has written stories and poems celebrating that heritage. Besides being available online and at other booksellers, her novel and children’s books are offered at several museums including Three Rivers and Porterville locations.

Former Fresno Bee copy editor and educational missionary Jerry Guibor published his book, From Nyet to Da, in March of this year. It tells about the Ukrainian teachers he met and trained during his missions and how their impact on students is making a change in a culture that used to say “nyet” to Christianity.

Guibor first served as a missionary in 1994 and in 2000 and 2006 he trained teachers in curriculum on morals and ethics with the International School Project. His first book, A Candle Burned, tells stories of faith involving his Russian and Ukrainian friends.

Awards The 2012 Nobel Prize for Literature went to Chinese author Mo Yan. The paperback version of his novel, The Republic of Wine, translated by Howard Goldblatt, came out last month. Goldblatt also translated his other novels, Life and Death are Wearing Me Out, Big Breasts and Wide Hips, and The Garlic Ballads, among

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others. The Nobel committee praised Yan for his “hallucinatory realism.”

Hilary Mantel was the winner of the 2012 Man Booker Prize for Fiction for her novel Bring Up the Bodies. The novel is a sequel to her 2009 Wolf Hall, which was also a Booker prizewinner. She is only the third author to win two Booker prizes, and the first one to win with a sequel.

Writing Contests The deadline for the Crazyhorse Fiction Prize and the Lynda Hull Memorial Poetry Prize is January 31. Winners in each competition will receive $2,000 and publication in the journal.

All entries will be considered for publication and will receive subscriptions for their entry fee of $20. Among recent judges are Joyce Carol Oates and Jaimy Gordon.

Details at: http://crazyhorse.cofc.edu/?page_id=197.

Writer’s Conferences The Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway will be held on January.

18-21 in Galloway, New Jersey. Small, intense workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction and memoir are offered. New sessions this year include Creative Writing Sampler, Free-Writing Intensive, and Writing for the YA & Crossover Market. Faculty member James Richardson was a National Book Award Finalist for his poetry “By the Numbers.” Fees vary by workshops. Details at: http://wintergetaway.com/news.html.

Library Favorites Recent books selected by the Tulare County Library staff include: Janet Evanovich’s Wicked Business, The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling, Tina Fey’s Bossypants and The Human Touch: Our Part in the Creation of a Universe by Michael Frayn.

Regular events at the library include Baby/Toddler Time at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays, Preschool Storytime at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays, the Mystery Readers meeting at 6:30 p.m. on third Wednesdays, and the Independent Film Series at 6 p.m. on third Thursdays.

Look for more events and special programs at http://tularecountylibrary.org.

The library has Chromebook laptops available for checkout and offers classes on their use.

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L LOCAL ADVENTURE

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride

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hat better way is there to get into the Christmas spirit than with an adventure complete with snow, apple cider, sleigh rides, Belgian Draft horses, and jingle bells? If you want to make an impression on your kids or loved ones this holiday season, Yosemite Trails in Yosemite National Park has just what you need.

Once the snow starts to fall, Yosemite Trails offers horse-drawn sleigh rides during the winter months.

They are located at the south entrance of the park, only a short 100 miles away. The sleigh rides give guests a rare opportunity to enjoy the Yosemite area bundled up close in a warm blanket as you go dashing through the snow in a three-horse open sleigh.

Yosemite Trails remains mostly as it did over 70 years ago since it’s inception. For three generations, one family, now under the charge of cowboy Larry Knapp, has been more than happy to share their way of life and make your holiday a great and memorable one.

The horse-drawn sleigh departs from the Tenaya Lodge where your initial departure starts off in jolly good time and glides through the winter wonderland of towering Sugar Pines, cedars, and a grand vista of Mount Raymond in the distance, making this ride perfect for the whole family to enjoy or for a romantic weekend getaway.

Upon arriving at the pack station, a campfire will be waiting to warm you up along with a cup of hot apple cider. Of course, to complement the warmth of the fire and cider is the plentiful snow play to be had. This part of the trip may be perfect for your young ones as they get to run around and throw snow balls, and well, be a kid. But no one said you couldn’t partake, too; after all, it’s the holiday season so why not let loose and be merry.

For the ride back, Yosemite Trails likes to kick it up a notch with a swift trip back that is sure to invigorate you and create squeals of laughter and excitement. Once you arrive safely back at Tenaya Lodge, the fun doesn’t have to stop. The Lodge offers many different dining experiences from elegant to casual, to suit all.

Buy your tickets online or in the lobby of the Tenaya Lodge once you arrive. Yosemite Trails’ current schedule is from December 14 through January 6.

For more information and to book your tickets visit www.YosemiteTrails.com.

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L LITERARY ARTS

James Espinoza:

From Clothing Racks to Garbage Mishaps Text by Diane Slocum

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LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2012

LITERARY ARTS L

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hen James Espinoza was 10 years old, he was already working with his father, traveling throughout the Valley selling clothing at swap meets. He was not happy giving up the Saturdays and summer days of play that he had known during his first decade growing up in Los Angeles. There, his father worked in a garment factory cutting cloth for dresses and shirts and whatever else the orders called for. He worked long hours, extra shifts and weekends whenever he could, and was not often home with his children. James remembers him mostly in the doorway with a black lunchbox in his hand.

When the family moved to Visalia, things changed. His father had no desire to return to toiling in the fields as he had done from the time he was six years old in Mexico. But for someone with only a second grade education, the Valley offered not much more than the uncertainty of following the crops. So instead, he found a way to put his knowledge of clothing to work. He would load up his van in Los Angeles and carry the goods to all the Valley towns that had swap meets. Whenever young James was not in school, he would go along.

The names of the towns and the days of their swap meets became entwined. Saturday and Sunday were Fresno’s Cherry Auction and Sunnyside Drive-in. On Monday, it was Hanford’s Flea Market.

Tuesday was Fresno again. Thursday, Visalia. And Earlimart finished their rounds on Friday.

In the heat of summer, James set up metal clothing racks that burned his hands and he watched for dust clouds that would coat the children’s dresses and pants with grime. In winter, his dad had to feel his way to the distant towns through the early morning fog.

James’ fingers and toes felt brittle with cold as they awaited their customers.

In the literary non-fiction, “The Work of My Father,” Espinoza tells the story of growing up working with his father and how his father grew up working, how the senior Espinoza never knew his birth father and his stepfather treated him more like a servant, expecting him to manage the farm even before he turned 13.

Espinoza includes images of migrant workers who would come over to their clothing racks to buy dresses for special events for their daughters in Mexico. Sometimes, it would have been years since they had seen their families. They would have difficulty envisioning their daughters and what sizes they may have become, and they would wonder whether their daughters would remember them any better.

James would help them figure out what to buy. This is one anecdote in his literary essay filled with poetic images of how the need to make a living affects children and families. He said he purposefully put that scene in to juxtapose it against his family, to think about the children growing up without their father.

“It was kind of a daily occurrence,” he said. “Immigration patterns, the global economy, it’s something to think about in terms of how families sometimes get broken up trying to make ends meet.”

Espinoza worked with his father this way for six years and also managed to do well in his studies. He had great teachers along the way in the Visalia schools who always stressed the importance of writing. After high school, he managed to get a good financial aid package for college and graduated from Loyola Marymount University. He took a break from school at that point and looked for a place to make a living. For awhile, he worked at a Boys and Girls Club in Visalia. Then he moved to San Jose and taught at a charter high school.

“That was when I caught the bug of writing,” he said. “I always had half a bug, a little bit.”

He also thought about it in terms of economic necessity.

“Besides manual labor, that’s about all I’m pretty good at,” he said.

“It’s either that or washing dishes.”

He returned to school and received a Master of Fine Arts from California State University, Fresno. He is now an associate professor of English at the College of the Sequoias. He teaches mostly developmental or academic writing.

“I teach them how to navigate the academic waters,” he said, “how to write essays.”

Most of his students mirror who he was. They are kids who have to work. He attempts to bridge their academic lives with their existence outside of school. Often they are on the borderline of continuing their education or not, but they are curious.

“Something draws them and they follow it,” he said. “A lot of my students, that’s who they are,” young adults looking for direction. “I try to give that extra nudge.”

He is participating in a program that allows him to reduce his schedule by one class so he can spend more time with these students.

He’ll say to them, “Wow – you’ve got some pretty interesting stuff to say here. Let’s explore this more.”

Working closely with these students, he said, influences his own writing, both positively and negatively. It’s similar to when someone reads any writer repeatedly. They start to emulate that writer.

“Some of the colloquialisms slip in,” he said. “I have a lot more trouble with homonyms like ‘there,’ ‘their’ and ‘they’re.’ The horrible grammar slips in, and at the same time, some ingenuity slips in.

They’re fresh with ideas, not honed on mechanics. They bring so much energy and life experience.”

He doesn’t worry about his occasional grammatical faux pas, though. Proof reading will take care of those. Becoming more finely in tune with his experiences, seeing things with a fresh eye, is more important.

Although much of his published writing is poetry, that wasn’t his first love. Even now, he thinks of himself as a non-fiction writer and not a poet. He studied more non-fiction and read more non-fiction writers, but he doesn’t see a great chasm between the genres. Most of his poetry stems from non-fiction and his non-fiction flows in a poetic rhythm. One of his recent poems, “The Patience of Beans,” published in Slipstream, was nominated by the magazine for the Pushcart Prize, which is an annual publication in its thirty-seventh year celebrating the best writing published in small presses. His other poems include “Tonight the Mexican Moon Croons,” “The Meaning of a College Diploma,” and “A Warm Place to Sleep.”

His latest poem published in theNewerYork! is “The Great Garbage Disposal Mishap,” a comic rendition of an incident between tenants and their landlord over what can and can’t go into a disposal. He describes the magazine as “quirky,” a publisher of off-the-wall poetry.

In some of his work, which he calls literary non-fiction or literary journalism, he takes on contemporary and political issues, some of which could be considered newsworthy. These include “A Boy Not Named Cuauhtemoc,” which was published in Yellow Medicine Review (Fall 2008). Others are “Chasing Pancho,” published in In the Grove and “A place called Mexico” which is in The Packinghouse Review (February, 2011).

His latest goal is to write a novel about a comedian who is trying to regain his fame. He describes it as a dark comedy, good for laughs and sometimes sad.

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S SPIRITS

Holiday

COCKTAILS M

uch how the culinary creations of ham, turkey and stuffing signify it is the holiday season, our beverage choices should elicit this joyous time as well. What better way to entertain holiday guests than with cheery and delicious drinks, like the Mayflower and the Poinsettia. Or, when the fire is roaring and you are finishing up wrapping those last-minute gifts why not treat yourself to a creamy and oh-so-rich Sleigh Ride cocktail. This year, no matter how you celebrate, make it a joyous holiday with one of these jolly libations.

Text and Recipes by Rob Young, Fugazzis | Photos by Erin Davis, Studio 317

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LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2012

POINSETTIA  1.5 oz. Cherry, Plum & Cranberry infused Vodka Mionetto Prosecco Cranberry juice Orange and blackberries for garnish Instructions: Fill a large wine glass with ice. Add the vodka, and prosecco. Add just a splash of cranberry over the top.

Garnish with a large orange twist and a couple fresh blackberries.

Flavor Profile: The plum and cranberry in the vodka give the cocktail just the right amount of sweetness. But really, the prosecco is what is on display. The cranberry juice is more for coloring than flavor, and the orange and blackberry just make it look good.

SPIRITS S

Sleigh Ride 1 oz. Absolut Vanilla Vodka .5 oz. Jameson Irish Whiskey .5 oz. Rumple Minze .5 oz. Kahlua .5 oz. Dekuyper Butterscotch Schnapps 1 oz. half and half Whipped topping and cinnamon for garnish

Instructions: Build all the ingredients over ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously. Before pouring the beverage, take your whipped topping and put a dollop at the bottom of your martini glass. Slowly pour the mixed cocktail around the whipped topping. This will bring the whipped topping off the glass and floating nicely in the center of your drink.

Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon over the top.

Flavor Profile: Not your typical egg-noggy, cinnamonny, holiday beverage. The Irish whiskey adds a subtle spice to the beverage, and the Rumple Minze gives a nice peppermint flavor. It’s creamy, but icy at the same time.

It’s a boozey beverage, so it may feel like snow going down, but it’ll warm you up in no time.

MAYFLOWER 1.5 oz. Beefeater Gin .5 oz. Dekuyper Apricot Brandy .25 oz. St-Germain elderflower liqueur Juice from half a lemon 1.0 oz. Apple Juice Instructions: Build the ingredients over ice in a shaker. Shake vigorously and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with an edible flower.

Flavor Profile: A spring cocktail for the winter months, the juniper and pine in the gin is still reminiscent of the holiday months, but the apricot, elderflower, and apple give it a springy lightness. A very clean and classy cocktail.

LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2012

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S SPIRITS

Mrs. Claus’ Hot Chocolate 1.5 oz. Baileys Mint Chocolate liqueur 1 packet of your favorite hot chocolate Whipped topping, crushed candy cane and mint for garnish Instructions: Pour the Baileys into an Irish coffee glass. Add your hot chocolate.

Garnish with a dollop of whipped topping, and sprinkle some pieces of crushed candy cane over the top. Add a small sprig of mint for good measure.

Flavor Profile: Simple but delicious. A slight minty flavor from the Baileys paired with a rich hot chocolate. The perfect beverage to end an evening of wrapping presents, and decorating the tree.

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LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2012

C AN D IES

C CHARITY

FESTIVAL OF TREES Text by Cheryl L. Dieter | Photos by Aimee Sa Photography

Raman Verma, MD and wife Pretti Verma, MD

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LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2012

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he Tulare Hospital Foundation’s Winter Gala kicked off the holiday season and revved into high gear with spectacular trees, food and fun. Held at the Heritage Complex in Tulare, the 24th Annual Festival of Trees brought glitz and glamour to the Valley, in addition to raising money for the Tulare Hospital Foundation.

Upon entering the Heritage Complex, guests were ushered through a white winter wonderland while being serenaded by a trio of string players, all of whom were members of the Tulare County Symphony.

For Justin and Laurie Alexander of Earlimart, it wasn’t just the music, fabulous auction items, glittery holiday trees or decorations that beckoned them in; it was something personal.

“We come here every year. It is a family tradition,” explained Laurie. “This event is the kick-off of the Christmas season for our family and it gets us all in the holiday spirit.”

With numerous trees up for auction, the themes were bountiful and diverse. A favorite of the younger set was “Gingerbread Sweets-N-Treats” donated and decorated by Bank of the Sierra.

Filled to the brim with Gingerbread men (and ladies), gingerbread houses, gobs of candy canes and sweet treats, it brought back the excitement of being a kid during the holiday season.

Another stunner was the “Christmas in Atlantis” tree by Boretti, Inc., which was decorated by Michelle Corral and Saba Toor.

Decked out in shades of aqua and green ribbons that appeared to float with the fish, mermaids, seahorses and coral, it made a big splash with the crowd.

“The Natural Sparkle of Christmas” was contributed by Tulare Nursing and Rehabilitation and decorated by Amy Bobb. The pine featured a variety of feathered friends and other woodland creatures, alluding to the simple beauty of our local forests and the things we find within them.

The Amdal In-Home Care tree, “I’ll Be Gnome for Christmas,” was also a big crowd pleaser. But by far, the tree that received the most attention was “Santa’s Little Helpers” provided by Optimal Hospice Care and decorated by Bernie Myrick and Debbie Richardson. In fact, it was the tree that raised the most money during the evening.

“I have been providing a tree so many years because I have deep roots in the community and at the hospital. It just feels right to give back in this way and, frankly, it is a lot of fun. I look forward to it each and every year,” said the tree’s decorator, Bernie Myrick.

Kenny Moyle, chairman of the Tulare Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, thanked guests for attending while urging them to get out and bid, “Because we are not done with what we started.

When we started the tower, we promised to

CHARITY C provide three million dollars and we still need to meet that goal.”

Upon completion in 2013, the state-of-the-art medical tower at Tulare Regional, which has been in the making since the 2005 vote to approve the $85 million construction bond, will provide patients with advanced technology for diagnosis, intervention and treatment.

While guests mingled and bid on silent auction items, the corporate executive chef of Morrison Management Specialists, Joe Kraft, along with Charles Dunford, the executive chef of Tulare Regional Medical Center, prepared a feast with food provided by Morrison. Guests dined on a sumptuous menu consisting of arugula salad with local breakfast radish topped with toasted hazelnuts. This was followed by an entrée of herbed peppercorn encrusted beef tenderloin with bacon wrapped prawns, smashed garlic scallion potatoes and roasted winter harvest vegetables. A luscious Snowflake Pistachio Bavaroise was the incredible edible conclusion to a perfect meal.

For first-time attendee Dr. Abraham Betre the event exceeded his expectations. “This has been a very nice evening and I didn’t expect it to be so lovely. As a practicing physician I appreciate all that the members of this community are doing to support the hospital, the people who work there and individuals who use it,” said Betre.

After dinner, bidding began fast and furious on the beautiful trees and such items as an autographed Taylor Swift guitar and a glamorous trip for two to New York City. A stunning 14kt white gold diamond necklace donated by Quality Jewelers of Visalia was raffled and won by Traci Bert.

For Lisa Dillon, office manager of Tulare Pediatrics, the temptation to bid on all the beautiful auction items was present throughout the evening. Dillon said, “I love coming here to bid on all the goodies. It is such an important event for the hospital and I want to support it in every way that I can.”

According to Sherrie Bakke, Tulare Hospital Foundation president, the event grossed approximately $105,000.

“The event met the committee’s goal to bring together Friends of Tulare Hospital Foundation for a beautiful evening with great food and fellowship supporting Tulare Regional Medical Center,” Bakke said.

Organized in 1987, the Tulare Hospital Foundation’s goal is to receive private gifts that benefit the hospital and to raise money to fund items such as capital improvement projects, to secure new medical equipment and to provide other items necessary that will ensure quality care at the Tulare Regional Medical Center.

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H HOME TOUR

The Boyajian Home

A Magnet For Family Christmas Traditions Text by Lisa McEwen | Photos by Taylor Vaughn

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HOME TOUR H

PICTURED: The great room of the Boyajian home provides a comfortable space to gather in the warm and inviting atmosphere evoked by this family-home.

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n a quiet cul-de-sac in The Lakes, the anticipation of Christmas brings a family together. Flanked by two huge sycamores, the Boyajian home welcomes two daughters home from college, savors the youngest daughter’s last Christmas before departing for college and maintains family traditions – but it isn’t afraid of finding new ones, either.

The two-story home is a respite for the busy family of five, well, make that 10, including the three dogs, cat and bird that are as much a part of the family as the humans.

Walking toward the home beneath the sturdy sycamores, whose canopies are nearly bare this time of year, the front yard evokes a winter wonderland of whimsy and twinkling lights. Up the steps, an inviting entryway welcomes guests and family alike, decorated with garlands, more lights and red bows. The iron-clad, seethrough front door leads one’s eye into the home to the stunning 12-foot Christmas tree and out the large bay windows of the family room to the calm waters of the man-made lake behind.

But before entering, visitors see the playful eyes and pointy ears of two Siberian Huskies peering through the glass doors. Koji and

Kya are the official greeters of the Boyajian home, and will happily give every guest a wet kiss on an outstretched fist.

Once inside, a cozy family room with overstuffed couches and chairs beckons all to relax beside the Christmas tree, which is decorated with ornaments signifying childhood activities, family vacations and inside jokes. Stockings personalized for each family member and pet hang on the mantle, interspersed with nutcrackers, while fresh garlands are strung from each doorway leading to the kitchen. Colorful holiday decorations are perfectly positioned on end tables, and enjoying all the fuss is Bella Trix, a beautiful longhaired cat named from the Harry Potter series, who is often found sprawled across the coffee table. Musical interludes provided

by Jewels, the African gray parrot who enjoys a sunny window at the kitchen nook, filter into the family room creating sounds the family knows all too well.

Sharon and Scott Boyajian have been married 24 years and agree that Christmas is a time for family and reflection. Daughters Elizabeth, 22, a Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo student working toward her master’s degree; Samantha, 20, a junior at California State University, Fullerton; and Kaci, 17, a senior at Redwood High

ABOVE: Sharon Boyajian’s Department 56 Christmas Village is proudly displayed each year on the family’s dining room table.

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H HOME TOUR School, look forward to Christmas, especially when it comes to partaking in the family traditions that have been created over the years.

“I love coming home from college to help at Christmas,” said Samantha, who travels with Kya from Fullerton. “I’ll be home every weekend leading up to Christmas. It’s just a fun time of year for us.”

One of the highlights for the daughters is decorating the tree together while watching old home videos – and making new videos. The girls are given a special ornament annually with the year inscribed on it, signifying what is happening in their lives, and they are videotaped while hanging it. For example, there are ballet slippers, golf clubs and new last year, a prancing reindeer, which marked Samantha’s role as a pet owner. Kya is a slender, active puppy who often resembles a strutting reindeer when she plays around the house.

Sharon added with a smile that there are a few wine glass ornaments hanging on the tree which she bought for herself – a nod to the beverage that can help many mothers relax a bit during such a busy time of year.

Collectible Village As soon as the Thanksgiving turkey has been served and enjoyed, Sharon and her daughters start setting out their Christmas decorations. Taking center stage is an expansive display of collectible Department 56 Christmas Villages, which overtakes the dining room table.

“We bought our first piece in 1991 and we’ve bought a piece every year since,” Sharon said. Now that Kaci is the only daughter living at home fulltime, she has taken on the painstaking duty of removing each village from its original box and arranging the snowy scene for the family. There are 45 pieces in all. To add elevation to the display, Sharon carved icicles and icebergs by hand from Styrofoam, providing a glittery white backdrop to the scene that harkens to a simpler time of Main Street America.

“I love to set up the village,” Kaci said. “I’ll be home for that every year.”

PICTURED: Siberian Huskies Koji and Kya, pose before one of five Christmas trees in the Boyajian home.

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LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2012

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H HOME TOUR

Armenian Delights In the gourmet kitchen, which is spacious yet cozy thanks to a double-sided fireplace, warm wall color, distressed cabinets and a bank of barstools at the counter, another family tradition takes place: making Armenian sugar cookies from a recipe handed down

by Sharon’s grandmother. Sanger natives, Sharon jokes that she didn’t intend to marry another full-blooded Armenian, but it just happened that way. Regardless, Scott and their daughters are the appointed taste-testers of the simple cookies made from sugar, butter and flour. Rolled into a rope and then cut at an angle, it’s the cookie that heralds Christmas’ arrival for the family. Kaci is also known to make her own stunning confections: future plans include majoring in business and then attending culinary school. The family also makes homemade fudge and peppermint bark for the holidays, and serves them on Christmas Eve to family and friends who gather annually at their home. Sharon keeps the evening casual and festive by serving tacos.

Casual Elegance The Boyajian home sits on one-and-a-half lots, and the backyard view of the lake and neighbors’ homes brings the family outdoors regularly to enjoy the peaceful scene. Koji can be seen swimming in the lake, and has been known to jump in the family’s boat to motor over to visit his “girlfriend,” a white Siberian husky who lives in the neighborhood. The Boyajians have lived in The Lakes for 22 years, but moved into their current home in 2000.

TOP: The two-story Boyajian home sits on one-and-a-half lots on a cul-de-sac in The Lakes, bringing Christmas cheer to all those who pass by the festive house.

BOTTOM: In the great room of the Boyajian home, the faux deer head mounted above the fireplace gets into the Christmas spirit as it is adorned with a red “Rudolph” nose.

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H HOME TOUR

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HOME TOUR H

They remodeled in 2008, doing much of the work themselves. Walls smeared thick with plaster, white pine wood floors, masterful stone detailing and plush furniture all combine to create a two-story home that features what the family considers a rustic, classic Tuscan decor.

Standing in the backyard, looking back into the home through those bay windows, the towering Christmas tree seems right at home. For the Boyajian family, that is the meaning of Christmas.

“In this day and age, Christmas has gotten more materialistic than it should,” Sharon said. “It should be a time for family and friends.”

PICTURED: The epicenter of many homes during the holidays, the Boyajian kitchen is no different as the women in the family gather around to create Armenian cookies, fudge and more for family and friends.

LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2012

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L LIVELY LIVING

Christmas Village Text by Kyndal Kennedy | Photos by Taylor Vaughn

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or the last six years, 43-year-old Kraig Couture has been collecting items to add to his personal Christmas Village display; a display that takes four 10-hour work days to construct and consists of approximately 120 buildings and over 400 accessories. Why would one put so much time and work into a project based on the miniature? To evoke joy and happiness in our community, on a much larger scale.

Couture saw a Christmas village display in Nashville over six years ago and the interest people showed in it inspired him. He remembers spending an hour taking it all in. Ever since then he has been buying a few items here and there and setting up what he has collected at home for friends and family to enjoy every Christmas.

“By the third year I had spent way too much money and by the fourth year I thought, ‘I need to stop doing this,’” laughed Couture. But then he saw a display similar to his own in San Francisco at the Hyatt Regency hotel and thought about how he could incorporate his display into Visalia holiday traditions.

“The only thing that really happens in Visalia for the holidays

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is the Christmas Parade, and when that is over, that’s it,” said Couture. He approached the Marriott about setting up his personal display in their lobby and at first the Marriott wasn’t too sure about it. He said it took some time and figuring out logistics, but eventually the Marriott agreed and last year Couture set up his first public display for everyone to enjoy.

Couture jokingly refers to his Christmas Village as a “County Village” as it includes recognizable buildings and features from throughout the area. You may even spot an almost identical miniature version of Crawdaddy’s restaurant located in Downtown Visalia. Coincidentally, Couture’s building even has a sign, naming it Crawdaddy’s. Couture said he bought the building before Visalia’s Crawdaddy’s even opened up. The miniature building is based, like the full-size one, on New Orleans architecture and even features a little jazz band on its corner. In addition to this uncanny similarity, there are buildings similar to the Fox Theatre, and even a little hotel with Marriott Visalia signage – that detail of course was added on.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM DS REALTY

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Other recognizable locales that visitors to the tiny town will notice are Lowes, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store, Applebee’s, McDonalds, and many other locations such as diners, cottages, circus tents, sky scrapers and even the White House, to name a few – and I mean, just a few.

Of those 400 plus accessories perched around the little town are fire hydrants (even some with territorial pups marking their spots), light posts, cars, election signs, trees, people, bikes, and many more. Each building and its accompanying characters and details are purposefully placed in cohesive harmony and emulate an actual, working world. “Everything in life is in there,” said Couture. “Well, we don’t have a homeless shelter or a homeless man yet, so not quite everything,” he added.

The village is something that people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy this holiday season.

“I enjoy the reactions people get when they see it. The older generation has shared stories with me about how they remember their parents collecting villages and how they would set theirs up,” said Couture.

The village will be lit up from Monday, November 26, to Sunday, December 29, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. every night of the week. There is no charge to visit the village and Couture recommends taking a friend along to enjoy it too. It’s not unusual for the adults who visit the village to spend as much time as their children or grandchildren walking around the display and exploring their imagination. ’Tis the season for joy and happiness, after all, and for Couture this “tiny” village is a labor of love for the whole community to enjoy.

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LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2012

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C CULINARY

Beef Wellington 38

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HOLIDAY INSTITUTION Recipes by Ryan Lucas, Bravo Farms | Photos by Taylor Vaughn

LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2012

CULINARY C

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hen it comes to preparing Christmas dinner, turkey and ham are the staples found on many a family dining table.

But for those looking for a different kind of Christmas tradition, why not take a tip from the English and prepare the decadent dish of Beef Wellington. For those guests attached to the staples of the holiday, pairing this entrĂŠe with the warm and comforting goodness of sweet potatoes will be sure to satisfy everyone at the dinner table.

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C CULINARY

Beef Wellington

DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS

Heat tablespoon or two of oil in large pan on high heat. Season the filet generously with salt and pepper. Soak the filet in the pan on all sides until browned. Remove filet from pan and let cool.

1 lb beef tenderloin filet (Bravo Prime) Salt & Pepper Olive Oil 1 lb mushrooms (Cremini) Thin slices of prosciutto 2 T mustard (stone ground) 7 oz puff pastry 3 egg yolks beaten

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chop mushrooms and put them in a food processor and puree. Heat large sautĂŠ pan and cook mushroom puree in pan. Drain liquid from mushrooms and set aside to cool.

Roll out a large piece of plastic wrap. Lay out slices of the ham on the wrap so that they overlay. Spread mushroom mixture over the prosciutto.

Place the beef filet in the middle of mushrooms and prosciutto. Roll mushroom/ prosciutto over the filet. Tightly wrapped; refrigerate for 20 minutes.

On floured surface, roll out pastry sheet to a

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size that will wrap around the beef. Unwrap filet and place in middle of pastry dough.

Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg yolk. Fold the pastry around the filet, cutting off the excess at the ends – limit pastry overlap. Place the seam side down and brush with egg yolk all over the top. Chill for 10 minutes.

Place the pastry wrapped filet on a baking pan. Brush the exposed surface again with egg yolk. Score the top of the pastry with a sharp knife (not quite going all the way through).

Sprinkle the top with coarse salt. Bake for 25-35 minutes. Pastry should be golden brown. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Thermometer should read 125-130 degrees for medium rare.

Drizzle Balsamic and Cabernet reductions over sliced portions (recipes to follow) and serve with grilled asparagus.

CULINARY C

Balsamic Reduction Slowly simmer your preferred amount of balsamic vinegar in a small pot on medium-low flame.

Reduce ž of the vinegar and add sugar to taste.

Cabernet Reduction Add bottle of red wine to stockpot.

Reduce wine by half. Slowly add sugar until wine is sweet to the taste. Let cool.

Sweet Potato Mash Ingredients

Directions

2 sweet potatoes 2 tsp sugar ½ tsp salt 1 T butter Black pepper Chopped basil leaves 2-3 T lemon juice (or lime) Salt to taste

Peel sweet potatoes and place in a pot of water with the salt and sugar.

Bring water to a boil and cook until fork tender.

Once cooked, drain water, add butter and mash potatoes. Stir in pepper, basil, juice, and salt.

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T TRAVEL

Park City, Utah Text by Cheryl L. Dieter

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Text by Marsha Roberts

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t’s one of those things you never forget: the WHOOSH of a bobsled as it rushes down a track at a neck-bending 80 mph with cowbells ringing so ferociously you would swear a stampede was coming; or the in-take of a collective breath as the crowd watches the ski jumpers hurl themselves hundreds of feet down a mountain with only a thin pair of skis to catch them as they fall. Welcome to Park City, Utah, home of the 2002 Winter Olympics. And while the massive Olympic crowds are gone (thank goodness!), the excitement lives on in the land where the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat definitely go hand in hand.

I have always loved Park City, Utah; most people do. It’s one of those rare places that is spectacular no matter the season. Perhaps it is due to the “minty freshness” of the clean alpine air. Maybe it’s

the world-renowned lodging or the amazing scenery everywhere you look. Or maybe it’s even the kick-back shopping. But for the sportsman, you can bet that nothing compares to Park City in the winter. Superb skiing? Check. Bobsledding? Check. Hot air ballooning? Ice-skating? Fly-fishing? Check, check, check. There is something here for everyone.

And for the skiing enthusiast, one of the best-kept secrets is the Park City Quick S.T.A.R.T. program. The program works like this: Fly into the Salt Lake City Airport and use your boarding pass as a same-day lift ticket at Deer Valley Resort, Canyons Resort or Park City Mountain Resort. Just register at least 24 hours prior to your arrival and you’ll be flying down the hills quicker than you can say “snow bunny.”

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T TRAVEL For most skiers, finding the perfect ski-in/ski-out lodging is often the greatest challenge to creating the ultimate ski vacation. For me, the “perfect” place to rest my weary boot-clad feet is the world-class Goldener Hirsch Inn. Reminiscent of an Austrian chalet located in the town of Salzburg, General Manager Kelley Davidson makes sure that every guest’s wishes and desires are attended to … sometimes even before they know what they want themselves. (Kind of eerie if you ask me, but oh-so appreciated).

With a “You are family” attitude permeating the only familyowned hotel in Deer Valley and warm just-out-of-the oven homemade cookies, in-room spa services that beckon from the slopes, along with one of the premier award-winning restaurants in the area, the Goldener Hirsch is THE place to stay on the mountain. Of course, some may disagree, and with the Stein Eriksen Lodge at Deer Valley located right up the hill, choosing the “best” lodging in a valley full of places to lay your head can be extremely difficult. But for those traveling in large groups, the Grand Suites at Stein Eriksen offers an exquisite way to spend time with all fourteen relatives under one gigantic roof. And with an award-winning spa … need I say more?

Well-appointed condos and private homes for rent are also plentiful.

While in the Park City area, a visit to the Utah Olympic Park is a must and not just because of the free admission. No, this is the place where the “extreme” athlete in all of us is allowed to come out – usually a good thing, but for me, not so much. To say I am afraid of heights is an understatement. For me to contemplate a forty-story drop down the bobsled hill seems like insanity. It is a bit pricey at $200 for the ride (summer rates are much lower), but zooming down the track as fast as a comet zooming through the atmosphere would be a blast for the thrill seeker. Also available are Olympic Adventure Courses, the Extreme and Freestyle Ziplines, and ski jumping … where guests land in the outdoor swimming pool (summer only for this one).

For kids and adults alike there are also various sports classes and programs available. For instance, the UOP program day camp is designed for 7-10 year olds and offers weeklong instruction in Nordic ski jumping, moguls skiing and alpine skiing. And for those not so inclined to the sporting venues there are guided tours of the Olympic competition sites and, of course, the Alf Engin Ski Museum (free), which is a wonderful place to unwind and get up-close to those very large and shiny Olympic medals.

Another sporting prospect is winter fly-fishing offered by Jans Mountain Outfitters. Sounds crazy to me, but Wis, fly-fishing guide extraordinaire, assured me that winter is the best time because the tail waters are fairly consistent in temperature, making for active fish. And for those individuals who want to fish in pristine places, the solitude of winter fishing can’t be beat. Lunch is included for both full- and half-day excursions. But if that isn’t enough excitement for you then maybe Snowmobile Adventures at Thousand Peaks will be. With access to over 60,000 private backcountry acres, powder never looked or felt quite so good.

Photos by Cheryl L. Dieter LEFT: Every season is a great time to visit Park City, Utah as the scenery remains beautiful all year long.

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BRILLIANCE DEFINED

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Of course a trip to this ski mecca wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Park City itself. I love ice skating at the Park City Ice Arena and Sports Complex; a place where that “extra padding” comes in handy. You can also participate in “drop-in” hockey if you have the required equipment with you. Curling lessons are available through the Park City Curling Club. But perhaps the favorite sporting event in Park City is the shopping … Alpaca One, Overland Sheepskin Co. and Pine 442 are favorites. Mountain Town Olive Oil is a great place to spend a little time tasting and mixing your own oils (love the Herbes de Provence Olive Oil), while the Burns Cowboy Shop intrigues with its $75,000 collector saddles.

Wintertime also provides the perfect “let’s-snuggle-up-andget-warm” opportunity and what better way to do so than with a good old-fashioned bell a-jingling sleigh ride? Offering private and oh-so romantic glides through the local forests or even delivery 46

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to a favorite restaurant, Boulder Mountain Ranch Sleigh Rides are the perfect way to relax while cuddling under piles of warm blankets. But, by far, the warmest place I know in Park City is the High West Distillery and Saloon – the first distillery licensed in the state of Utah since 1870. The distillery shop, which once served as the stable boys’ bedroom, now sells award-winning rye whiskies, some of which leave a slightly sweet tingly finish at the back of the tongue.

But it was High West’s Vodka 7000 Peach that really caught my fancy. Made of oats, which impart a slightly nutty vanilla taste, and of fresh peaches grown and handpicked by farmer Leon Wilson, this is one libation that should come with a warning reading “too good to be true.” But as good as the spirits are, the food is even better. We started with the Bourbon Three Onion Soup, which was as smooth as silk, plainly superb. I had the Whiskey Cider Braised

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Short Rib; absolutely without a doubt the best short rib I have ever eaten. My husband, Dave, ordered the Black Angus Dry Rubbed Tri-Tip, which exceeded its reputation as the best tri-tip in the land. And for dessert? Butterscotch Budino with caramel and sea salt, which I still dream about at night.

Other excellent dining choices include Riverhorse on Main, Chimayo, Zoom and 350 Main. (One of these establishments is owned by Robert Redford … but I’m not telling which one!) And for a funky after-lunch vibe, try Atticus Coffee and Books. The shop has the largest selection of loose and bagged tea with the friendliest literature-loving staff I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.

With an overwhelming number of things to do and see in the Park City area it is easy to overlook the natural beauty of the Wasatch Mountains. So don’t forget to put on your boots and

5

just explore the area. I guarantee you will see amazing woodland creatures and perhaps, if you are lucky, a few mythological ones as well. For Park City is that kind of place … a place where anything can happen and dreams can be fulfilled. You may not have a crowd of thousands cheering you onto victory but just by experiencing all the area has to offer you’ll find you will go home a winner.

Photos by Cheryl L. Dieter 1. Atticus Coffee, Books & Teahouse.

2. High West Distillery & Salloon.

3. On the streets of Park City, Utah.

4. Entrance to the Olympic Park.

5. Whiskey Cider Braised Short Ribs at High West Saloon.

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F FASHION

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FASHION F

GOING BAROQUE Text by Sharon Mosely

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orget the plain black dress, the simple sheath and the bare, bare leg. This holiday season, it’s time to take our cues from the elegant decades of the earlier part of the 20th century, just like the aristocratic Crawley ladies of the hit TV series, Downton Abbey.

The Emmy-nominated period drama has revived the Edwardian age of opulence. Watch for the third season, which airs in January to be even more fashion forward as the costumes become more “art-deco” inspired. Baz Luhrmann’s December debut of “The Great Gatsby” will also inspire apparel trends.

Fashion designers from Marc Jacobs to Ralph Lauren to Theia are flocking to those “good ol’ days” of yore to come up with a fresh twist on modern fashion. And it’s about time, says Don O’Neill, creative director of Theia.

“The elegance of that period and the opulent formal gowns worn at dinner are a wonderful fantasy from a sophisticated time that we wanted to bring into fall and carry through to spring 2013,” says O’Neill.

“Opulence is a fantasy and an escape from everyday reality. Life is a celebration, and we are dressing for happy occasions. Even in our darkest days, we still need light, levity and sparkles in our lives. We feel like we offer affordable opulence so you can live the dream and not break the bank.”

Here are some ways to go for baroque when celebrating the holidays this year.

The beaded gown. There’s nothing quite like the sparkle of beads to brighten up a holiday soiree.

Whether the gown makes a grand entrance in a floorsweeping length or is more on the shorter “midi” side,

this is the piece de resistance of party style.

The lace dress. Another winner for the cocktail circuit – in a streamlined silhouette with an empire waist, this look is a sophisticated take on the turn-ofthe-century styles, especially when given more of a “Gatsby” twist draped with long strands of pearls.

The velvet jacket. Let’s face it, velvet just screams holiday celebrations, and it’s been a favorite of elegant ladies forever. The longer, buttoned up “princess” style jackets are one way to get the Downton luxe-life. Add a faux fur scarf and you’ve really got it wrapped up.

The long skirt. The perfect “go-with” for the buttoned-up jackets. Of course, the modern take on this trend is a high slit. Just wear tights and boots and you’ll be striding down the city streets in anything but a hobbled gait!

The harem pants. Well, Lady Sybil did her best to inject a little exotic Bohemian style into the prim and proper manor house crowd, but so did her contemporaries in this era when fashion and interior decorating both shared a love of all things from the Far East.

The accessories. Now, here’s where it really gets fun to dress up again. Who doesn’t like an elbowlength pair of opera gloves? Or an exquisite beaded headpiece? Or a huge, oversized hat? Or a pair of embroidered laced-up evening boots? How about an ornate needlepoint clutch?

Pastel florals. Well, the dress up fun doesn’t end this holiday season. Watch for soft, pastel floral dresses to float your way next spring. By then, we will all be ready to play again.

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P PERFORMANCES Text By Marsha Peltzer

MASTER WORKS SERIES - Bon Vivant January 19, 2013, 7:30p – Visalia Fox Theatre

O

ne of the Tulare County Symphony’s favorite friends and highly sought after performer Tracy Harris returns for the third concert in this season’s Master Works Series on January 19. She will perform the colorful and passionate music from Borne’s Fantasie Brilliante on Themes of Carmen in a program that celebrates best-loved French music.

Music Director Bruce Kiesling often begins the evening’s performance with a rather short but lively piece – and we will be enticed by Hector Berlioz’ Roman Carnival Overture.

Composed in 1843-44, this overture was an instant success, and it has remained ever since as one of his most popular works.

Borne’s Fantasie Brilliante, featuring Guest Artist Tracy Harris, follows the overture. Ms. Harris has performed internationally on piccolo to low flutes. She has soloed with many symphony orchestras and has held many first chair positions including those with the Santa Maria Symphony and the West Coast Symphony. She is currently Alto Flutist and Soloist in residence with the Tulare County Symphony. Kenneth Brown, music critic with the Santa Barbara News Press wrote, “The remarkable flutist Tracy Harris gave a fine performance of a Carmen Fantasy – a musical triumph!”

French Composer Francois Borne (1840-1920) was an expert on flute design and playing and used this special knowledge to write works ideally planned to display every bit of the player’s virtuosity.

One of his best compositions is the Fantasie Brilliante on Themes of Carmen. In about 12 rapidly paced minutes, it runs through many of the great themes from this most popular opera. He has the most fun with the Habanera, which he not only sets brilliantly but also pauses to add a pair of flashy variations – a real crowd pleaser for a flutist with “sufficient technique.” This most certainly describes Ms. Harris.

Dukas’ Sorcerer’s Apprentice is considered to be “program music” in which the composer uses musical themes to describe a particular event, a narrative idea, or develop a character. Mr. Dukas based his symphonic work on a poem written by Goethe,

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the German poet. It is a charming story, about a boy from a village who was apprenticed to a sorcerer. His adventures are too numerous to explain in this column but the music is so well loved it was chosen

by Walt Disney to be included in his animated anthology of music – Fantasia.

Maurice Ravel’s Tracy Harris Bolero was written in 1926 for a dancer friend. Throughout the piece, the familiar theme is repeated 18 times – evidence, according to psychologists, that Ravel was suffering from dementia when he wrote the piece. In 1984 Brithish Olympic Ice Dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean skated won Gold in the Winter Olympics in Sarajevo to Ravel’s famous Bolero. The routine – which was awarded an unprecedented perfect six score from all nine judges – took four and a half minutes. The full work lasts for 15 minutes and plays somewhere in the world every 15 minutes.

Ravel was born on March 7, 1875 in Ciboure, southwest France.

He was a contemporary (and rival) of fellow composer Claude Debussy. In 2001 a folio of sheet music by Ravel became the most expensive 20th century music manuscript when it was sold for just under 1 million British pounds.

Fore information about the quartet and the upcoming concert, contact the Symphony Office: 732-8600

PERFORMANCES P

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L I F E S T Y L E | D E C E M B E R 2 012

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C CHAMBER

IN THE COMMUNITY

2

1

1. Jeri Hickey & Karissa Guinn EECU reps 2. KSEE 24 ribbon cutting: Norma Garcia, Matt Rosenfeld.

3. Leadership Visalia day session:Â Ed Jones, Oak Grove Elementary School Principal John Davis, and Crystal Williams-Jordan.

3

The mission of the Visalia Chamber of Commerce is to preserve, model and advance business vitality and prosperity for our members and the community.

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CHAMBER C

COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICES Janitorial Service For dependable commercial cleaning service ServiceMaster Clean can help. daily, weekly, or monthly janitorial service Medical & professional office cleaning Aggregated floor cleaning Tile & grout cleaning

Office system cleaning Window washing Nearly any other cleaning you want

Carpet cleaning using various processes

ServiceMaster by Hellstern

Ron Hellstern owner 559.738.8927 Serving the Visalia area | Locally owned and operated for over 25 years

This tour is brought to you by Collette Vacations (CST #2006766-20) and is priced at $2,599 pp (double occupancy).

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53

C CHAMBER

IN THE COMMUNITY

2

1

1. Teresa Boyce, City Council Member enjoying the work of members of the Boys & Girls Club of the Sequoias during the Boys & Girls Club of the Sequoias mixer.

2. Left to right: Rose King, JoAnn Dodson, Chamber ambassadors; Reggie Ellis, The Foothills Sun-Gazette; Judy Anderson, Chamber ambassador; Linda Sue Bauer, ABC Bookkeeping and Tax Services, Inc.; Kerri Thomas, Hertz Rent-A-Car, talking during the Hertz Rent-A-Car ribbon cutting.

3. Left to right: Sandy Blankenship, executive director of Exeter Chamber of Commerce, JoAnn Dodson, Exeter Irrigation & Supply/Chamber ambassador and Rob Winters, owner of Rob’s Crusin Café talking about his business during the ribbon cutting.

3

Our mission is to promote, support, and enable Exeter to prosper.

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CHAMBER C

The community at CFA is family-oriented and positive, and the workouts are precise and cutting-edge. Expect to workout with people that will motivate and push you to reach your fitness goals. Don't wait till the New Year‌do it NOW! Owner, Justin Levine California Fitness Academy We Change Lives

6910 W. Pershing, Visalia, Ca 559.334.8990 | www.livecfalife.com

L I F E S T Y L E | D E C E M B E R 2 012

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C CHAMBER

IN THE COMMUNITY

1

1. Nina Akin at the Tulare Chamber of Commerce.

2. Art Clark, chair of Board, John Harman, CEO TDA, Cal Colvin, business man and Debbie Thrasher.

2

The Tulare Chamber of Commerce, Inc. exists to serve its members and the citizens of the Tulare area and surrounding rural areas of Tulare County.

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CHAMBER C

Tropics by design

Interior plantscaping and some simple design elements can make your place of business or home more warm and inviting.

Call 559.734.4920 to see what we can do for your interior.

Staging | Design and Installation | Live Plant Rental and Leasing L I F E S T Y L E | D E C E M B E R 2 012

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h happenings

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

THEATER & PERFORMANCES 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: Dec. 14-16 Where: Icehouse Theatre, 410 E. Race Ave., Visalia Contact: 734-3900 or www.visaliaplayers.org

DEC 15 DEC 19

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Sons of the San Joaquin The Sons of the San Joaquin is a family trio composed of brothers, Joe and Jack Hannah, and Joe’s son, Lon, who sing western music and songs which celebrate the life and work and the geographical setting of the American Cowboy.

When: Dec. 15; 2p & 7p Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 625-1369 or www.foxvisalia.org The Growlers The Growlers are a rock and pop group from Long Beach, California. Their initial musical style was rooted in 1960s rock and roll and skiffle, but the group works with different musical genres, ranging from ice flossing hip hop to psychedelic rock.

When: Dec. 19; 9:30p Where: Cellar Door, 101 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 636-9463

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DREAMGIRLS Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, DREAMGIRLS tells the story of an up-and-coming, 1960s singing girl group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune.

With music by Academy Award nominee Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Tony and Grammy Award winner Tom Eyen, DREAMGIRLS features the unforgettable hits: “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”, “One Night Only” and “Listen.” This Tony and Academy Award winning musical sparkles like never before!

When: Jan. 8 & 9; 7:30p Where: Williams Saroyan Theatre, 700 M. St., Fresno Contact: 445-8200 Doubt Set in the fictional St. Nicholas Church School in the Bronx, during the fall of 1964. The play opens with a sermon by Father Flynn, a beloved and progressive parish priest. The school’s principal, Sister Aloysius, is a rigid conservative nun; she harbors deep mistrust toward her students, associates and society in general. Father Flynn and Aloysius are put into direct conflict when she suspects that sexual misconduct occurred between Father Flynn and Donald Muller, a student.

When: Jan. 18-20, 25-27, Feb. 1-3 Where: Icehouse Theatre, 410 E. Race Ave., Visalia Contact: 734-3900 or www.visaliaplayers.org

happenings H

JAN 25

JAN 28

CIRQUE ZIVA The Golden Dragon Acrobats are recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company of today.World-renowned impresario Danny Chang and choreographer Angela Chang combine award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty. Tickets $25 adults; $15 children.

When: Jan. 25; 7p Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 Main St., Visalia Contact: www.foxvisalia.org Pentatonix Acapella sensations and winners of season 3 of NBC’s The Sing-Off, Pentatonix are taking instrument-free music far beyond anyone’s wildest expectations. This vocal quintet has transformed one of pop music’s purest and most soulful expressions into an exciting future, filled with limitless sonic possibility. Pairing their intricate arrangements with cleverly re-imagined pop songs, Pentatonix have quickly cultivated a sound and style that is entirely unique and undeniably infectious. Tickets $17, $22, and $32. A benefit for Hands in the Community.

When: Jan. 28; 7:30p Where: L.J. Williams Theatre, 1001 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: www.foxvisalia.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 Moods of Mine Hill and More Joy Collier’s “Moods of Mine Hill and more...” will be on display at the Tulare Historical Museum from November 8 through January 5. Collier’s exhibit will include California landscapes, including Sequoia National Park, and scenes from Snow Canyon Park, St. George, Utah, and The Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada.

When: Nov. 8 - Jan. 5 Where: Tulare Historical Museum, 444 W. Tulare Ave., Tulare Contact: 686-2074 or www.tularehistoricalmuseum.org

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h happenings

New Year’s Eve Dance The American GI Forum presents their annual New Year’s Eve Dance on December 31. Performing live is Los Valley Guys and NEWBREED. Tickets: $29 reserved; $24 general admission.

When: Dec. 31; 7:30p-1:30a Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: 713-4040

Art for the Holidays This year marks the fifth year of our annual Holiday Show and Sale, featuring a remarkable selection of handmade items by some of the Central Valley’s finest artists and craftsmen. With your purchase, not only can you fulfill some of your holiday gift-giving needs, but you will also be supporting local artists as well as our efforts to bring the highest quality arts to our community! During the opening reception, Arts Visalia’s Board of Directors will hold our annual Holiday Raffle featuring over thirty wonderful prizes.

Tickets may be purchased from one of our board members or directly at the gallery. You need not be in attendance to win, and all of the proceeds support our programs at Arts Visalia.

When: Dec. 5-22 (Opening reception Dec. 7) Where: Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 739-0905 or www.artsvisalia.org

JAN 5

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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: Jan. 5; 10a-5p Where: Anne Lang’s Emporium, 41651 Sierra Dr. (CA 198), Three Rivers Contact: Nadi Spencer, 561-4373 or www.1stSaturdayTR.com

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DIVERSIONS & EXCURSIONS

DEC 13

DEC 14

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. Bring a canned food items to support our month-long food drive benefitting a local food pantry.

When: Dec. 13; 5-8p Where: Downtown Visalia Contact: 732-7737 or www.downtownvisalia.com 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

happenings H

DEC 14

DEC 15

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. 14; 7p Where: Pena Planetarium, 2500 W. Burrel Ave., Visalia Contact: 737-6334

Model Train Display Presented by the Visalia Electric Railroad Modelers and Historical Society. For two days, all layouts will be running. Display will be located next to Hobby Lobby.. Admission is free; donations are welcome.

When: Dec. 15 (10a-8p) and Dec. 16 (11a-6p) Where: Sequoia Mall, 3303 S. Mooney, Visalia Contact: Cecil or Darlene Eppler 733-1196 Zoolights at Fresno Chaffee Zoo Get away from the traffic and spend a quiet evening at the Zoo with your family. Go for a stroll through brilliantly lit pathways, take a photo with Santa, and enjoy live entertainment. Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies will be served. General admission: adults $6; children $3 (ages 2-11).

When: Most evenings in December; 5-8p Where: Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 894 W. Belmont, Fresno Contact: www.fresnochaffeezoo.com

Hannukah Latke Party Join us for a special night at Congregation Beit Shalom. All about Hanukkah in story and song (bring your Hanukiah’s), latkes, apple sauce and sour cream, with specially made desserts by Donna.

Enter the raffle to win a Hannukiah and candles!

Dinner: $10.

When: Dec. 14; 6:30p Where: Congegation Beit Shalom, 115 E. Paseo Ave., Visalia Contact: 308-1333

JAN 1

Resolution Run Bank of the Sierra’s 1st Annual Resolution Run is here to promote good health as well as giving back to the community. Distances include 5k, and a kids 1-mile run. Two charities, chosen by public vote, will be awarded the Resolution Run proceeds. Register

by December 28.

When: Jan. 1; 9:30a Where: Bank of the Sierra, 128 E. Main St., Visalia Contact: www.valleyresolutionrun.com

MAGAZINE

Direct Magazine is direct mailed monthly into 33,000 upper-middle, middle, and lower-income homes in Visalia. Inserted into the magazine is a Coupon Tab that has valuable coupon offers each month.

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L I F E S T Y L E | D E C E M B E R 2 012 JU

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N E

h happenings

Tule Fog Run The Tule Fog Run offers a beautiful backdrop to a unique event.

Join us in the fog as we run the St. John’s River for a 10k, 5k and Kids Run. The event provides participants with a t-shirt, goodie bag, and healthy snacks. Kick on your new year the right way!

When: Jan. 19; 7a Where: Cutler Park, 15520 Ivanhoe Dr., Visalia Contact: Visalia Parks & Recreation, 713-4365

JAN 15

A Bridal Odyssey The ideal way to meet all of the wedding professionals you need to help create your wedding - all in one place - all in one day! Be face-to-face with scores of great wedding professionals, ask them questions, see (and taste!) their work, and sign up for great prizes and discounts. While you are here - take a seat and enjoy our beautiful multi-media fashion show.

When: Jan. 15; 11a-4p Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: www.abridalodyssey.com 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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WRITERS & READERS Tulare County Library First Tuesday Book Club (Dec. 4, 6:30p) Socrates Cafe (Dec. 11, 6:30p) Mystery Readers (Dec. 19, 6:30p) Where: Tulare County Library, 200 W. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 713-2700 or www.tularecountylibrary.org

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