November 2010 by Lifestyle Magazine

November 2010 LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

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22 The Benbow Home

The Giving Tree: Valley Oak roots the present in a family’s shared past

MUS IC SCENE Local Legend Tom Johnston Returns to His Roots

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CULINARY Persimmons

Braised Pork with Persimmons & Blue Moon Beer

8. 10. 12. 14. 38. 50. 54. 56. 58.

Letter from the Executive Editor Business Cents Word Play Charity Event: TKRL Banquet Lifestyle Turns Seven Business Profile: Courtyard Aesthetics Fashion Performances Faces & Places: Pickens/Cuellar Art Show

60. Faces & Places: Happy Trails “Denim & Diamonds”

62. Happenings PAGE

32 TRAVEL Ashland, Oregon The End of Summer

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44 4

LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

ON THE COVER: The recently-completed Benbow home north of Visalia features an array of contemporary decorative items and furnishings for a look akin to a “Tuscan castle,” says homeowner and realtor Nona Benbow.

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS... LET YO U R H EART B E LI G HT – AN D YO U R S KI N & B O DY A D E LI G HT! S an ta Ba by, S t ic k An Alc Gift C ert ificat e Un der The Tr ee F or M e . FACIAL TREATMENTS Juvéderm™ • Botox® • Microdermabrasion • HydraFacials • Foto Facial Rejuvenation • ReFirme™ Skin Tightening • Permanent Makeup BODY TREATMENTS Body Wraps • SunFX™ Spray Tanning • Manicures & Pedicures • Eyelash Extensions • Laser Hair Removal • Massages & Waxing BODY CONTOURING VelaShape ™ • Vitamin B12 Injections • Lipodissolve Excel • Weight Loss Programs • TurboSonic® PRODUCTS Dermalogica® • Clarisonic® • Jane Iredale® • Bare Escentuals® • Obagi® • Latisse® • Tigi Bed Head® We’re proud to welcome hair & color specialists Shana Mullaney & Kristin Delaney to our team.

115 North Akers

Visalia

559.636.0808

www.alcvisalia.com

NOVEMBER 2010 PUBLISHED BY DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 BUSINESS MANAGEMENT MALKASIAN ACCOUNTANCY LLP GARY MALKASIAN CPA JEFFREY MALKASIAN EA Bookkeeper MARILYN HARRIS Office Administrator MARIA GASTON EDITORIAL Executive Editor KAREN TELLALIAN Assistant Editor TAYLOR VAUGHN Copy Editor KATIE DESROCHERS Calendar MARIA GASTON CONTRIBUTING WRITERS AARON COLLINS DIANE SLOCUM SHARON MOSLEY CHERYL DIETER TONY GARCIA MARK ROWE KATIE DESROCHERS IRENE MORSE MARSHA PELTZER ART & PRODUCTION Creative Director DAVID JONES Senior Graphic Designer KURT BAKER ADVERTISING SALES Advertising Director BRIDGET ELMORE DARLENE MAYFIELD 559.738.0907 SALES OFFICE 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.738.0907 • Fax 559.738.0909 E-mail: lifestyle@dmiagency.com

RACK LOCATIONS

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

210 Cafe Advanced Laser Clinics Bravo Farms Cheese Factory Creekside Day Spa & Wellness Center Downtown Visalians Exeter Chamber of Commerce Exeter Golf Course Holiday Inn Kaplan Financial Services Kaweah Delta Hospital Red Carpet Car Wash Richard Rumery, Attorney at Law Sequoia Laser Aesthetics Smiles by Sullivan Tazzaria Coffee & Tea Tiffany’s Luxury Medispa Tulare Chamber of Commerce Tulare County Library V Medical Spa Visalia Community Bank-Downtown Visalia Convention Center 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.

See us online at VisaliaLifestyle.com

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 Direct Media, Inc. or its advertisers.

LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

LEFT: The beautiful Asian-styled Dining Room in the Benbow Home.

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LIFEST YLE | OCTOBER 2010

EDITOR NOTE

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

ike the wind whispering into the ear of a poet, there is something about the sea that calls me by name. Ever since I was a child I’ve loved being on or near the water, and find my inner peace while listening to the waves as they move back and forth from shore to shore. There’s nothing more beautiful than our own west coast shoreline, and I could easily spend every vacation at the beach. With vacations so precious and few, it’s difficult to think about going anywhere that isn’t the color blue, or lacks the distinct, salty smell of the sea. On the water is where I forget about the everyday stresses of life, find a thankful heart, and daydream about everything I’ll do “one day.” But this year was different; maybe it had something to do with the Giants winning the World Series – evidence that even a group of reputed misfits can pull together and create something perfect. Or maybe it was simply the urge to do something that didn’t require a bathing suit and flip flops. Whatever the reason, this vacation we found ourselves in Santa Fe. Not an ocean wave to be seen or heard, but with its own unique majesty. While driving for hours, and exploring the countryside, I felt relaxed and inspired by the area’s natural beauty. The vast landscape dotted with Pueblo villages, the rock formations with the layers of color, and the snow-capped mountains in the distance all acted to remind me that there is beauty to be found in the most unexpected places. Not unlike the differences of the beauty found in the human race – each person an expression of God’s glory (and perhaps even His sense of humor.) That’s one of the things I like most about our Home Tour features – that we are fortunate enough to be able to explore the many different styles and tastes of the homeowners in our community. Each month we hear from readers who express that “this month’s home was their favorite,” and often very different from the last. But more than a difference in style and taste, the Home Tour pages are visual tributes to the unique treasures that lie in the hearts and souls of the homeowners, and there is beauty to be found in that alone. This month’s issue also features another beautiful misfit: the persimmon. Growing up, I refused to eat even my grandmother’s homemade persimmon cookies for no other reason than I didn’t like the way they looked. But that was years ago, and since that time I’ve found that even though the word persimmon still sounds odd, that there’s nothing much better than a cookie made with this delightful fruit once combined with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Be sure to find Chef Tony Garcia’s favorite recipe on page 32, along with some others that you’ve probably never thought of. As we look ahead to the end of the month and the traditions of Thanksgiving, the staff at Lifestyle has much to be thankful for. And after seven years of monthly publishing, the thing that we’re most blessed by are the readers who continue to clamor for our magazine features, and the advertisers who help make the publication possible. Whether your favorite is the Home Tour, the Culinary Feature or one of the Business Articles, we are delighted that you find the beauty in them.

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. LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

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LIFEST YLE | OCTOBER 2010

B BUSINESS CENTS

The Case of the

Missing agent W

hat happens when your life insurance agent disappears? You’ve technically become an ‘orphan’ and there’s worse to follow. An orphan policyholder in the life insurance world refers to a policyholder whose agent is no longer working for the insurer and representing the client’s interests. In the past, most life insurance policies in America have been sold by agents who typically become the primary contact between the insurer and the customer. In an ideal world, the agent continues to service the customer forever after a policy purchase. After all, life insurance is a long-term contract where policyholders require -and are entitled to- quality financial advice. However, if the agent leaves the picture, it leaves their policyholders high and dry. Over the past 30 years, a high percentage of the life insurance polices sold in the United States were either Flexible Premium Adjustable Life policies (Universal Life), Dividend Adjustable Policies (Whole Life), or Market Driven Flexible Premium Adjustable Life policies (Variable Life). Because of the inherent Adjustable and Flexible features of these types of policies, all of them require periodic monitoring and review to ensure that they are performing up to their original estimates. Failure to properly evaluate and adjust these types of policies can result in significant premium increases, and even the complete loss of insurance coverage. While the ultimate responsibility to review, evaluate and adjust a life insurance policy is the duty of the insured, most policyholders rely upon and trust their agents to keep them informed as to the status of their policies. After all, life insurance is a product that is not typically bought – it is typically sold. However, a high rate of attrition among agents has created significant challenges for life insurers and ultimately for their policyholders. In fact, industry statistics indicate that the retention rate for new life insurance agents after only three years in the business is a ridiculously low 10 percent, and the average age of life insurance agents still actively servicing their clients in the United States is now over 50 years old. One of the most important reasons for this phenomenon is that most insurance agents are not company employees, and are instead paid strictly by commissions. Therefore, money remains the primary motivation for an insurance agent. In addition, retailing insurance products is not an easy job. It requires high persuasion levels and meets with tremendous buyer resistance. Once an agent runs out of his natural contacts it becomes increasingly difficult to find new prospective buyers. Occasionally, orphans are created when an agent moves into management and no longer actively services his clients. However, the bulk of orphans are created when an agent leaves the life insurance business because of poor production and lack of commission income, company mergers, or to simply to seek new opportunities. 10

LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

Text Mark Rowe, Lewis & Associates Insurance Brokers, Inc.

While insurers try to combat high attrition rates by aggressively recruiting new agents, they are struggling to address the concerns of existing orphan policyholders. The total number of orphan policyholders is increasing, and now constitutes a significant proportion of total policyholders for some of the largest insurers. Furthermore, orphan policyholders are often not provided with adequate customer service and support. Life insurers have pursued different options to provide service to their orphans, including assigning orphan policyholders to other active agents, or asking their employee staffs to directly deal with the policyholders. Re-assigning orphans often leaves policyholders dissatisfied with the level of service and support from their new agent who has little or no incentive to service the orphan policyholder because they get paid their commission income based on creating new sales, not for taking time to service existing policies. As a result, assigning orphans to a new agent could potentially create a conflict of interest between proper service and creating new commission-oriented sales. Most insurance companies have created call centers with tollfree numbers you can contact for service if you become an orphan. Regrettably, many of these call centers are located out of the United States and are staffed by non-licensed personnel who have little or no knowledge of the insurance business. They are simply trained to repeat information that appears on a computer screen and cannot give advice about policies. With the increasingly complex decisions that need to be made as policies get older, this type of service is simply not adequate. What steps can orphan policyholders take if their agent has left the company or is not responding to their queries? The policyholder should: • Use other channels made available by the company to address their needs such as visiting branch offices, contacting call centers and working through websites. • Take responsibility for your policy by keeping track of premium renewal dates and making timely payments, keeping the company informed of your current contact information and annually monitoring the performance of your policy. • Contact a local professional agent with CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter), ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) or CFP (Certified Financial Planner) credentials to help service and analyze your policy. • Contact the company in case of misrepresentation by the agent who is no longer with the company and understand the options available to address the problem. If you are not happy with your service, write to the company. And if action is not taken even after repeated reminders, approach the insurance commissioner.

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LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

WORD PLAY

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

ovember brings up images of families sitting down to a meal filled with wonderful, nostalgic flavors, but what if every conversation you heard held more tastes than a holiday meal? Monique Truong’s second book, Bitter in the Mouth, presents just such a situation. Told from the point of view of Linda (mint) who has this form of synesthesia, Truong sprinkles the dialogue with flavors Linda tastes as people talk. She also populates the southern town of Boiling Springs with a cast of well-drawn characters who influence Linda for good or bad as she grows from a seven-year-old into a woman in her thirties. Linda has more than synesthesia that sets her apart, but Truong doesn’t reveal this until the latter part of the book. Book Signing Mike Huckabee will be signing his book A Simple Christmas, at the Visalia Borders, 3415 S. Mooney Blvd., on Saturday, November 30 at 8 p.m. His book intends to remind readers that simple things like faith, love, family and hope are most important. This is especially true at Christmas when commercialism and overindulgence tend to take over. Valley Writers Freelancer and Lifestyle Magazine contributor Irene Morse’s story Making Christmas Memories is featured in the new Chicken Soup edition released in October. The volume is titled: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas Magic: 101 Holiday Tales of Inspiration, Love, and Wonder. Irene will be featured in next month’s Lifestyle Magazine. Former valley resident and poet laureate Kay Ryan’s collection Say Uncle was released on Kindle earlier this year. Ryan’s poems are short and to the point. Easy to sample a few, yet brief enough to polish off the whole book in one sitting; just like a box of gourmet chocolates! Ryan uses clever internal rhymes and subtle logic to pour depth of meaning into simple passages. The Day After the Day After: My Atomic Angst (Soft Skull Press, 2010) by CSUF English professor Steven Church tells of growing up in Lawrence, Kansas, where the filming of the television nuclear holocaust movie formed a focal point for demonstrating to an impressionable boy that the world was a scary place. Publishing News and opinion website The Daily Beast is pulling in staff from prestigious publications. The new Washington bureau chief is Howard Kurtz (The Washington Post media reporter) and technology columnist is David Kirkpatrick (author and senior editor of technology for Fortune). Conferences The 18th Annual Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway will be held in Cape May, New Jersey on January 14 – 17, 2011. Special guests are Stephen Dunn, Dorianne Laux and Patricia Smith. The stated purpose is to help attendees advance as poets, writers or artists. Limited registrations available. Fee is $385 with additional fees for some workshops and critiques. Details at http://wintergetaway.com. The 27th Annual San Diego State Writers Conference usually features a long list of notable names from the publishing world. Last year, agencies such as Loretta Barrett Books, Manus & Associates,

LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

Dijkstra Agency, John Hawkins & Associates, William Morrow and many others were featured. Publishers Simon and Schuster, St. Martin’s Press and HarperCollins are a few of the publishers who were represented. Registration fee is $365 plus $40 each for consultation and critique. Details at http:// www.ces.sdsu.edu/Pages/Engine.aspx?id=735 Contests The Julia Peterkin contest for published or unpublished manuscripts will accept entries until Feb. 15, 2011. Entry fee $15. The award is $1,000 and participation in the Converse College Visiting Writers Series. Details at http://www.converse.edu/ academics/schools-departments/english/creative-and-professionalwriting/creative-writing/peterkin-wi. The Julia Peterkin Award for 2010 went to Jude Nutter. Her works include I Wish I Had a Heart Like Yours, Walt Whitman. The Cleveland State University Poetry Center Awards for the First Book or Open Book competitions will accept manuscripts until Feb. 15, 2011. Prize is $1,000 and publication in the university’s poetry series. The open book competition is for writers who have published a book-length collection. Details at http://www.csuohio.edu/ poetrycenter/contest1.html. Banned Books The Tulare County Library reports that the most banned books over time on at least one comprehensive list are The Holy Bible, Huckleberry Finn, Don Quixote and The Quran. The list for 2009 is topped by L8R, G8r, And Tango Makes Three, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, To Kill a Mockingbird and Twilight. Banned Books Week is celebrated in September-October. Community Picks The Time of My Life by Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi topped a recent list of the Community Picks at the Tulare County Library. Together the husband and wife team tell the story of the actor’s life, culminating in his struggle with pancreatic cancer. In Born on a Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant, Daniel Tammet explains how his mind works while he tells the story of his life. See more picks at http://library.booksite.com/7152/ nl/?list=CNL1. The Last Word And what, Socrates, is the food of the soul? Surely, I said, knowledge is the food of the soul. –Plato (427 BC -347 BC)

LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

E EVENT

Bristol Speaks Out for Right To Life Text by Amy L Maris

s September drew to a close, the Tulare-Kings Right to Life organization (TKRL) held its 15th Annual “Making a Difference for Life Banquet”. Although there were no stars, costumes, or spectacular dance moves, close to 900 people packed the Visalia Convention Center to hear this year’s keynote speaker Bristol

LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

Palin share her story, and demonstrate support for TKRL. Founded in 1985, TKRL is the largest local pro-life organization west of the Mississippi. Responsible for providing a network of support for women faced with a difficult decision, TKRL is supported by over 4,500 volunteers and donors. Palin added her voice to theirs when she stated, “All life is precious.”

L I LF IEFSETSYTLYEL E| N | O O VC ET M OBER 2010

E EVENT

The overwhelming attitude in the room was one of support. Jim Patterson – former mayor of Fresno, and MC for the event – recognized several prominent politicians and leaders from the area who supported the cause by their attendance, and then called on the crowd to echo the spirit of the Declaration of Independence by pledging their lives, their sacred honor and their fortune (or at least a portion of it) to the cause of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness on behalf of the unborn. “I’m not here to set the record straight, or to build a career.” Palin promised. “I just want to tell my story.” Indeed, Palin’s speech was disarming in its simple honesty; attendees of the banquet were treated to the anecdotes of a fairly ordinary person with everyday concerns. Despite her family’s celebrity status, Palin told of a normal upbringing, “Just like 99 percent of all Americans, our life wasn’t all about politics. We fought over who did the laundry and the dishes, just like you.” Palin may come from ordinary beginnings, but things changed drastically when her unplanned pregnancy quickly launched her into a spotlight of media scrutiny the likes of which she had never experienced. Sarah Palin, Bristol’s mother and former Governor of Alaska, had just been nominated to run on the Republican ticket as Vice-President. Palin recalled the enormity of the moment she found out she was pregnant, and the difficulties it presented to her at the tumultuous age of 17. “Going through labor and delivery was nothing,” Palin insisted, “compared to having to tell my parents about my pregnancy.” Fortunately for Palin, support existed for her: the family stayed up late into the night, praying and talking about what to do next. For Palin, not having her baby was never part of the plan. Her decision to choose life over convenience is a testament to the TKRL philosophy, as is her joy of having her son in her life. Palin’s remarks drew tears from many eyes, and it was clear she was in a room of kindred spirits. The young mother’s face lit up as she spoke of son, Tripp, calling him ‘her little man’. Just the simple knowledge that Tripp will run and play, grow up, be educated, and raise a family of his own means everything to Palin. “He’s alive,” she said, echoing the goal foremost in the minds of the roomful of people. Palin admitted that single motherhood is not an easy path. Apart from the usual difficulties of raising a child as a single parent, Palin’s place in the public eye often makes her experience even more challenging. However, the joy she has experienced as Tripp’s mother reminds Palin of the importance of sharing her story with others. She counted the ability to speak for the pro-life cause as a privilege, and applauded the work of the volunteers at TKRL. “Many lives will be touched by you,” Palin predicted. Since 1996, TKRL has featured nationally known speakers, but Palin holds the distinction of being the youngest. Thanks to local support and the contribution of keynotes like Palin, TKRL will continue to offer important resources for young mothers facing a difficult decision, and provide a voice for life in the community.

LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

M MUSIC SCENE

JOHNSTON LOCAL LEGEND

TOM

RETURNS TO HIS ROOTS Text and Interview by Cheryl L. Dieter Photos by Peter Amend

hen the Doobie Brothers took the stage at the Fox Theater, the venue exploded with excitement as the guitars wailed and the band’s renowned harmonies were paired with such Doobie classics as “Rockin’ Down The Highway” and “Taking It To The Streets”. New fare included songs like “Old Juarez” and “Brighter Day”, but it was the classic “Long Train Runnin’” with an impeccable sax solo by Marc Russo that brought the entire crowd to its feet; and the final number “Listen To The Music” which had the audience dancing in the aisles and singing along with the band. In an interview a few days after the concert, Tom Johnston discussed his coming-of-age in Visalia, and the band’s new CD, World Gone Crazy. For Johnston, taking a trip down memory lane brought back the thrill of moments long forgotten, and the pleasure of renewing contact with old friends who played such an important role in his early life. Growing up in a small house on Myrtle Street, Johnson attended Conyer Elementary School. After moving to West Street, he spent his middle school years at Divisadero, and his high school years at Mt Whitney. After two years at COS, he attended San Jose State where he majored in graphic design. It was there that he met Patrick Simmons and the Doobie Brothers band was born.

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L I LF IEFSETSYTLYEL E| N | O O VC ET M OBER 2010

M MUSIC SCENE

“I had an idyllic childhood and have so many wonderful memories of growing up in Visalia,” Johnston said. “ I remember trick or treating with Carol Wright, Charlie Spidel, Steve Chrisman, John Christensen and Mark Williamson. Those were fun times. The flood of 1955 also made a big an impression on me because I remember floating around Visalia on an inner tube.” For Johnston, attending Mt. Whitney afforded him what he refers to as “a classic American high school experience.” It was a time spent hanging out with friends, going to dances, and getting his musical start in several local bands. “One of the bands I was in played a lot of English invasion music along with the Beatles, Hollies, James Brown and Wilson Pickett. I was also in another band called the Implicits (later known as the Rivington Quartet), which actually cut a record. The band ended up going down to LA to cut a 45. We brought the record back up to Visalia and tried to get it played on KYNO. I think it got one spin. Of course, one of the band member’s parents ended up having to pay for all of this, and needless to say they didn’t make their money back,” said Johnston with a chuckle. While fame came as the band scored hit after hit, for Johnston it was never about the excess of the whole rock and roll lifestyle. 20

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Johnston is the first to admit that he is not a wild man, but a really mundane sort of guy. According to him, favorite pastimes include wandering around the hills where he lives, and being in his home studio where he spends time writing songs. But the thing he hold most dear is his family. In fact, daughter Lara Johnston is following in her father’s footsteps. From sharing the stage with Willie Nelson and Bonnie Raitt, to appearing in MTV’s Rock The Cradle, Johnston insists that it is his daughter’s determination and singing skills that have propelled her forward in a cutthroat industry. “Of course we have had ‘the chat’ because show business is a really nutty business. Lara doesn’t really need my advice, but I tell her that it is important to keep a clear head, to remind yourself who you are and what you are trying to achieve. But most of all, I think the biggest thing I want her to remember is to take care of herself first; to make sure she is getting and doing what she needs to stay balanced and in a good place within herself. I give her so much credit because she has put all the work in to get where she is today and has done and incredible job. I’m happy to say that she has developed a following and generated a lot of buzz,” reports Johnston, proud father that he is. And speaking of buzz, there is plenty of it (even some talk of

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a Grammy) for the Doobie Brothers’ new album, World Gone Crazy. According to Johnston, it is a departure from what people expect from the band. “The first single that is being released is an updated version of our song “Nobody”. It was re-done at the request of our producer Ted Templeman, and the record company who wanted to reestablish the band in the publics eye with something familiar, but at the same time update it with a fresher more modern sound,” Johnston said. Experimenting with new writing techniques, Johnston wrote songs on the keyboard, slide bass, and slide guitar that were a departure from what he had done in the past. “I’m particularly proud of the song “Old Juarez”. I had never tried writing a song like that before. Yet when I lived in Visalia, I had played in a Mexican wedding band and also in a blues band which definitely influenced the song because it has both a Latin sound with a rock beat.” Johnston was also thrilled about the talent who joined them in the studio for World Gone Crazy. From Santana percussionist Karl Perazzo and Bill Payne of Little Feat fame on keyboards, to some of Michael Jackson’s singers and of course, Willie Nelson, who co-wrote and sang on the track “I Know We Won”.

After such a rich musical career, one wonders if there was anything Johnston felt was missing. “I’ve always wanted to play with Eric Clapton. After all these years in the business I have never even run into him but if I had the chance I would jump at it.” But for now, Johnston is happy to be back on the road, touring and promoting World Gone Crazy. But that thrill also comes with a little bit of trepidation. “When you are a musician, one of the things you have a bugaboo about is playing new tunes live and waiting to see if the audience is going to be receptive, or look at you like ‘Can you get this over with so we can hear the past hits?’ It was a real compliment when the audience at the FOX responded so positively to our new songs. That just felt so good to me.” And judging by the dancing in the aisles, the Doobie Brothers’ concert was a feel-good experience for all.

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H HOME TOUR

LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

HOME TOUR H

THE BENBOW HOME:

Giving Tree valley oak roots the present in a familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shared past

Text By Aaron Collins | Photos by Forest C avale of Third Element Studios

L I LF IEFSETSYTLYEL E| N | O O VC ET M OBER 2010

H HOME TOUR

ON THE SPREAD: Built on property whose massive valley oak attracted the Benbows to purchase the land (which her professional photographer daughter once used for photo shoots), Nona Benbow chose references to a “Tuscan castle” for her design theme. TOP: A gazebo at the home of Nona Benbow (right) offers views of the surrounding orchards planted by her son-in-law and late husband, Ernie. ABOVE: This valley oak that anchors the Benbow property once shaded the Native Americans who lived in the area, and later the dairy cows who pastured there.

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tree can bear a lot of weight. Not just a swing, or the force of wind, but the also the freight of memory. The recently-completed Benbow residence (2008) is quaintly imposing, but perhaps the most commanding feature of the property is not the fanciful structure, but a stately and massive valley oak tree fit for a storybook. This tree anchors the property to a history measured in hundreds of years, back to when Native Californian Yokuts likely sought summer refuge under the broad arch of its canopy. “My husband and I were attracted to the property because of that oak tree,” says Benbow, who was born to a successful building contractor in Gold Hill, Oregon – before the Depression ended that good run. The Benbow parcel of land was once the pasture for a former dairy, and the oak provided a shady place for the cows to stay cool. Later, the Benbow’s daughter Kim Wescott -a professional photographer in Visalia- would use the tree as a backdrop for shoots well before the idea of the Benbow house was conceived. “Who would have thought then that I would be living on the same property she loved to use. It must be one of the oldest trees in the county,” Benbow reflected. The tree’s age may invite visitors to reflect on the past under its shade, but the Benbow residence is squarely rooted in several current home design trends. The cottage’s various European exterior style elements suggest Italian and French influences, a testament to the persistence of traditional architectural symbols and signifiers mined from prior centuries’ tastes and social cues.

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H HOME TOUR

ABOVE: The Benbow home office offers a view to the valley oak tree that shades property she and late husband Ernie purchased, the site of a former dairy pasture north of Visalia.

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Copper roof cresting atop a mansard roof, and stonework accenting arched doors all suggest that Americans may want the most advanced auto styling and sleekest consumer gadget design; but when it comes to their residences, market tastes still call for a Parisian or Medici starter castle with features firmly rooted in the 18th century or prior. Comparatively, 20th century modernist design like Bauhaus and International Style may be long-in-the-tooth octogenarians elsewhere in the world, but those styles (rarely spotted in Central California) seem like wobbly-legged foals compared to the millennia-old, warm-blooded, neo-Provence-meets-Tuscany style that courses through the Benbow domain. At least that’s true in the front elevation, where much of the architecture’s decorative load is borne. The interior too reflects a mixture of historical motifs with contemporary riffs on the past. “My decorating style reflects both antiques and modern design,” says owner Nona Benbow, an area realtor of four decades, and five-time winner of Century 21’s prestigious Centurion Award-obtained by few on its force. Benbow commissioned the home she shares with her dog, Johnny. “Some pieces are antiques that belonged to my brother, other pieces are contemporary. I have pieces of Asian art mixed with Old World style,” she says of her eclectic approach, “and I like some bling in the pillows.” The result is a decidedly current take on traditional European motifs. “I decorate from the heart,” Benbow says. “If I feel the item will work with my current décor, I add it into the design for a warm, yet elegant feel.” She says she likes items with a history. The home was built by general contractor Mike Atkins of Exeter on a former eight-acre site that was once part of a dairy, and now stands amidst citrus groves planted by Benbow’s son-inlaw, Rick, and late husband Ernie. The landscape design was organized around the massive valley oak (quercus iobata) which, at the front of the property, draws the eye for miles. Perhaps that brings us to the second prevalent trend in contemporary residential building: The deep investment in street appeal. If location is king in real estate valuation, street appeal must surely run a close second. That has long been the case, but what has changed is the increased amount of and attention to historically-inspired detail.

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ABOVE and LEFT: As throughout the Benbow residence, the bedrooms offer contemporary takes on historical Northern Italian style.

The Medicis built residences under no such constraints; their grand palazzo were visible in most every direction for miles on lands they controlled. They often appealed from every perspective. But in modern society, a home’s foremost formal duty is to address one direction: Forward. Front elevations get the love, with details more akin to a billboard of logo-like shapes intended more for the whir of passing cars than for closer scrutiny by the rare pedestrian or visiting Italian nobleman. A third trend has to do with treading the line dividing architecture and building, vis-a-vis the prefab plan. American consumers like Benbow are frequently opting for building designs found in plan books and online sources. While this option may be driving more homogenous design and impacting the practice of architecture, it’s a matter of economics. Perhaps even the European elite would not have been the great art architecture patrons they were, had a plan been downloadable from www. eplans.com. 28

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The Benbow plan was a find on ePlans.com, where blueprints range from a few hundred dollars to a couple of thousand. But, like Henry Ford -who told Americans they could have a Model T in any color so long as it was black- ePlans has anything to satisfy American tastes, as long as it’s traditional. The lone contemporary section’s scant offerings are dwarfed by 45 sections of historical styles, from Adam and Federal to Victorian. Even the contemporary houses look like products of ‘70s and ‘80s design. Apparently, patrons who value Modernism still call their preferred architect for custom drawings. But some local handicraft and customization occurs even with an online plan. “I hand-picked the rock exterior,” Benbow says. “I ordered my own faucets and sinks, and personally picked the entry doors. I worked with Eileen at Visalia Lighting, and cabinets were fabricated locally.” Benbow says that the high pitch roof was built onsite from custom trusses. So the building process is just as hands-on for the client regardless of the plan source. Even ePlans.com offers customization, for a fee.

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The kitchen features the familiar duo of granite and cherry with stainless steel appliances. Marble countertops adorn the bathrooms, as does tile throughout the home. Among the features Benbow most enjoys is the view from the master bath out to the orchards. Also, a distinctive rock fireplace with a raised hearth echoes the exterior rock, bringing consistency to a style that begins outside. The backyard has a waterfall that spills into a creek, as well as a gazebo, creating a park-like feel that pervades the premises. “I like the large windows, the openness of the home, the rock fireplace in the great room. And the recently-installed cobblestone pavers finished off the outside look,” Benbow says of the two-yearplus project. “I love the different lighting throughout, the open kitchen that flows into the great room.” As much as she loves it, she suspects she might build a totally different home in another style. “I would just build a totally different home,” she says. “I love the current house just the way it is. That is why if I started over, I would just have a different style.” Spanish hacienda perhaps, she muses; like the Spanish style she and her husband chose when they built their first home together almost 40 years ago. Perhaps it’s no wonder that among her favorite views is the visual corridor from her home office to the majestic and giving tree, the quercus iobata. It stands duty as sentry, its leaves pressed into service as family biographer, recorder of centuries written in vanishing native languages – holding in its branches the many secrets past by which cars whiz, drivers unaware, darting beneath the tree’s shade for a split second on their way back to the present.

RIGHT: The Benbow kitchen is rife with historical stylistic quotation, but the amenities are all state-of-the-art, featuring granite and cherry with stainless steel appliances.

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Photos by Forrest Cavale of Third Element Studios | Text by Chef Tony Garcia of Visalia Country Club

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all in the San Joaquin means fruit. We are at the tail end of the pears and other stone fruit, but while waiting for the citrus to ripen to harvest, we have access to persimmons. This relatively unusual fruit is gaining in popularity. Though persimmons are most commonly known as an ingredient for baking, we are stepping slightly away from this tradition and incorporating the persimmons into an appetizer, soup and our entrée! There are two commonly available varieties of persimmons, both originating in Asia: Fuyu (non-astringent) and Hachiya (astringent). There is a persimmon native to North America, but it is considerably smaller than the Asian varieties and seldom available commercially. Since the tree in my backyard is Hachiya, that’s the persimmon we used in this month’s recipes. Care should be taken if you are unfamiliar with persimmons. Although the fruit is a definite delicacy, the astringent Hachiya variety is extremely astringent; the flesh should be very soft, almost translucent and nearly liquid before it is palatable. The nonastringent Fuyus are nowhere near as tannic, and can be eaten while still under-ripe and crisp, probably accounting for their increasing popularity in the US.

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Braised Pork with Persimmons & Blue Moon beer Yield: Makes 2 servings Ingredients: 4 lb Pork Roast, bottom round 6 Large, ripe Hachiya persimmons, de-seeded & stemmed, cut into six pieces each 2 tbsp DeLeonardis olive oil 1/2 Large white onion, diced medium 1 Large carrots, diced medium 1 Cinnamon stick 1/2 cup Sugar 2 bottles Blue Moon beer (Belgian) 1 qt Beef stock Salt & Pepper to taste Preparation: Season pork with salt and pepper. Place pork in heavy, ovensafe pot with olive oil over high heat – brown meat all around. When all pork is browned (about 10 minutes), add persimmons, onion, carrots, cinnamon and sugar, maintaining heat sufficient to achieve slow boil. Cook together until vegetables are soft. Deglaze with Blue Moon brand beer. Maintain high heat and reduce liquid by half. Add beef stock and return to a fast boil for 4-5 minutes. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Persimmon Cookies Yield: 8 cookies Ingredients: 1/4 cup Puréed persimmon 1/2 tsp Baking soda 1 cup Flour 1/2 tsp Cinnamon 1/4 tsp Cloves 1/4 tsp Nutmeg 1/2 tsp Salt 1 Egg 1/3 cup Sugar 3 tbsp Brown sugar 1/4 cup Butter 1/2 cup Walnuts Preparation: Dissolve baking soda in persimmon puree and set aside. Sift together flour and spices; set aside. Cream both sugars and butter together. Whip egg and persimmon mix into the creamed butter. Add in flour spice mixture. Add walnuts. With a teaspoon, place drops on a buttered pan. Cook in pre-heated 350° oven for 10 – 12 minutes......

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Persimmon Soup Yield: 4 bowls

Proscuitto-wrapped Persimmon Yield: 2 appetizers

Ingredients: 1/2 Medium onion, diced small 3 Cloves garlic Tsp Cinammon 1/4 cup Sugar 1/2 lb. Butter 4 Hachiya persimmons, washed & diced medium 1 1/2 qt Chicken stock Salt & Pepper to taste

Ingredients: 3 oz Thinly- sliced prosciutto (6 slices) 1 Fuyu Persimmon

Preparation: Saute the onions, garlic, cinnamon, sugar, butter and persimmons until onions are transparent. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. PurĂŠe till smooth and adjust seasoning to taste.

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Preparation: Wash and dry persimmon, de-stem and de-seed. Cut into 6 equal pieces. Wrap with prosciutto and skewer.

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L U C K Y S E v E N | M AG N I F I C E N T S E v E N | S E v E N W O N D E R S

his month, Lifestyle Magazine is celebrating our seventh anniversary of publishing compelling South Valley features on the fine arts, people and events that enliven our Central California cultural scene.

Commemorating any milestone triggers some self-reflection, and lucky seven is an ideal number for taking stock of the upside. So rather than cue the band for a dirge, this month Lifestyle Magazine is taking a clear-eyed look at just how far the publication has come. Publisher and Executive Editor Karen Tellalian finds a great deal of encouragement from Lifestyle’s enthusiastic and increasing readership. Additionally, advertisers tell her that the magazine has quickly become a must-read staple of life in the region, and a highlytargeted vehicle for reaching a sought-after audience of means.

CELEBRATING

SEVEN YEARS By Aaron Collins

“Lifestyle Magazine has become a mainstay, like the Fox Theatre,” Tellalian says. “The growth in both content and quality over the past seven years shows that Visalia and the surrounding community appreciates and deserves high-quality products and services.” Tellalian feels that Lifestyle raises the confidence level of our community. “The thinking is that we are deserving of the finer things in life, but always with a foot planted solidly in the hometown atmosphere that is unique to Visalia.” “As special as Visalia is, Lifestyle is also special in that it captures another aspect of who we are. This feedback is common from our readers in and outside of the community regarding the high quality of living that Visalia can offer. We’ve been told that we have been a major catalyst in the positive shift of appreciation for Visalia,” Tellalian says. AND COMMUNITY LEADERS TEND TO AGREE.

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City Manager Steve Salomon and Kaweah Delta’s Barbara Mayeda both feel that Lifestyle has an important use in recruiting business and talent by attracting positive attention to our region. Given stereotypes about the San Joaquin Valley, Lifestyle is regularly used to help break through mental barriers when drawing high-caliber professionals to come live, work, and play here. “The magazine presents an extremely positive, high-quality image of Visalia,” Salomon says, adding that “the city uses Lifestyle Magazine as part of its marketing package. So it’s a pleasure to see the publication prosper.”

What do readers say is keeping them engaged? Mary T. Hill, a local banking executive, likes the interviews and seeing the homes showcased in the Home Tour section. She also cites Lifestyle’s considerable value to business. “You can literally let your fingers do the walking when looking for a particular service because the ads are so well done,” Hill says. If it works for business, it has helped award-winning careers flourish, too. Some of Tellalian’s greatest satisfaction comes from the creative successes spawned by the monthly. “We have been the springboard for several creative careers, whether they are photogra-

“You can literally let your fingers do the walking when looking for a particular service because the ads are so well done,” Mary T. Hill

Local Banking Executive

“I think Lifestyle Magazine is a wonderful recruiting tool that promotes all the best of our community. The photography is wonderful. Health care professionals looking to move into our area can see how big our little town is, and what we have to offer.” Barbara Mayeda

Director of Kaweah Delta’s Private Home Care and Specialty Home Care program

Mayeda agrees. The director of Kaweah Delta’s Private Home Care and Specialty Home Care programs says, “I think Lifestyle Magazine is a wonderful recruiting tool that promotes all the best of our community. The photography is wonderful. Health care professionals looking to move into our area can see how big our little town is, and what we have to offer,” she says. But it’s the local readership that has most strongly embraced and sustained the publication, whose format and diverse content are aimed at the region’s top demographic (in financial and education attainment terms).

phers, writers, or artists whose personal passions first found a place for expression in Lifestyle. And now that passion has turned into an income-generating career. That is very rewarding,” says Tellalian. Those talents have recorded some very poignant stories in her recollection. “Some of our features will be forever etched in our minds: Stories like that of Pulitzer Prize finalist and Lemon Cove resident Matt Black, whose photojournalism series “The Black Okies” – a stunning depiction of the oft-overlooked stories of African-American dust bowl farmers- won national acclaim,” she recalls. “The many cultural features such as the Muslim women in our community, or Alice, the

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refugee from Rwanda, or the most recent story of Visalians Peter Amend and Jerrod Turner and who recently traveled to Haiti to help rebuild that country devastated by earthquake,” she says. Lifestyle has even found some celebrities gracing its pages. But while those stories are always fun, most of those people are transitory. “They are just visiting us for a very brief time,” Tellalian says. “We are more interested in talking about the people who live here, who call this place home, and those who work hard behind the scenes every day to make the quality of life better for someone else. Those are the stories that stick out in my mind.”

this area,” says Tellalian. “We’ve brought much-needed attention to the arts via an approach akin to jurying the exhibits we’ve covered, to make sure that they can hold up in the serious art world.” Local historian Terry Ommen has a specific appreciation for Lifestyle’s coverage, and what it means for the archives of our community. “Once I finish the stories, I can’t get myself to toss it in the recycling pile; instead, the magazines go in my bookcase,” Ommen says. “It’s too valuable to just toss aside. Future historians will be grateful that Lifestyle existed, and the magazine will be referenced and quoted for years. I hope seven years of life become many more.”

“The articles in the magazine have brought much-needed awareness to The Creative Center and the Foundation. Thanks to Lifestyle Magazine, they are now visible on a grand scale throughout the city. Without the support of Lifestyle, we would not be able to reach our goals.” Kathleen Remillard

Executive Director of The Creative Center Foundation in visalia

“Once I finish the stories, I can’t get myself to toss it in the recycling pile; instead, the magazines go in my bookcase. It’s too valuable to just toss aside. Future historians will be grateful that Lifestyle existed, and the magazine will be referenced and quoted for years. I hope seven years of life become many more.” Terry Ommen Local Historian

Lifestyle’s charity scene coverage offers its team enormous satisfaction as well, whenever they see great causes gain support through exposure in the publication. “For the past four years, we have sold out our Mardi Gras Ball. And it was four years ago that we started advertising the ball in Lifestyle,” says Kathleen Remillard, Executive Director of The Creative Center Foundation in Visalia. “The articles in the magazine have brought much-needed awareness to The Creative Center and the Foundation. Thanks to Lifestyle Magazine, they are now visible on a grand scale throughout the city. Without the support of Lifestyle, we would not be able to reach our goals,” Remillard believes. “There isn’t another publication – or other area media vehicle for that matter – that’s done as much for promoting fine arts in

And what does Tellalian hope that Lifestyle will add to the historical record of her beloved community? “That the people who lived here were a generous lot: generous in opening up their homes, showing their hearts, and sharing their good fortune in order to elevate the quality of life for themselves and for their neighbors. And that we had an appreciation for things of beauty – visible, audible, or edible – and that beauty left more than an impression on the printed page; it caused a deeper appreciation for our community.” And with that, we return you to the present moment, our seventh year of covering the fascinating people, events and culture that make our region a special place to be … seven days a week.

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CULINARY ARTS LC LOCAL PROFESSIONALS

Dr. Miroslav Stanic Sequoia Dental Office 5601 W. Hillsdale Visalia | 559.697.6549 www.sequoiadental.com

r. Miroslav Stanic considers Dentistry his calling and his passion. With the love and support of his family, he left the former Yugoslavia and came to the United States to attend college. Dr. Stanic graduated in 1989 from Loma Linda School of Dentistry. Following his graduation, he spent one year volunteering in Trinidad and Tobago.

In 1993, Dr Stanic established the Sequoia Dental Office where he and his professional staff pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in dentistry and its technology. Most of his staff has been with him for at least eight years, and he still has his first two assistants on staff today. Dr. Stanic and his staff work with their patients to achieve and maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. He believes that healthy teeth are essential for over all good health, as well as a beautiful smile. You will find that everyone at the Sequoia Dental Office takes pride in providing their patients with a comfortable experience and a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. THIS IS A PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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ASHLAND, OREGON Text by Irene Morse

ABOVE: Autumn in Lithia Park Ashland, Oregon

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The End of Summer

ummer is over. The leaves on the Chinese Pistache trees are turning yellow, the apple tree is ready to give up its harvest, and I have returned from another trip to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. It is an endof-summer tradition that I have treasured for 34 years. My husband Gary and I go to Ashland each year with our friends Nancy and Keith. We stay in a campground with rustic ambiance and modern amenities, and we go to the theater. This year, we saw nine plays in three theaters that make up the OSF campus, attended one play reading, and enjoyed a top-notch variety show. We cooked gourmet meals on two two-burner camp stoves

and sipped cooling margaritas in the warm afternoons between shows. Toasty campfires warded off late-night cold after the plays, and long morning walks in the beautiful Ashland hills helped prepare us for a day of sitting. This year was a great season; hard to choose a favorite. We saw four Shakespearean plays; Henry IV Part One, The Merchant of Venice, Twelfth Night and Hamlet. Anthony Heald (youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve probably seen him on TV) was extraordinary as Shylock in Merchant. This is a difficult role because of the disagreeable nature of the character and the antiSemitism written into the play, but this production handled these issues deftly. LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

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We saw Hamlet in the large indoor theater and were captivated. The entire cast was wonderful, but this play belongs to the title character, and actor Dan Donohue donned the role like a favorite old shirt. The director Bill Rouch -who is also the festival’s artistic director- incorporated many unusual conventions to bring freshness to this popular play. The production was done with a sparse, although creative set, and the actors wore contemporary clothing. The ghost of Hamlet’s father (traditionally seen very little) was omnipresent in this production. Rouch cast this role with deaf actor Howie Seago, who signed his lines while Hamlet spoke them. At the end, when the ghostly father cradles his dying son, no words were necessary. We saw five non-Shakespeare plays as well. Throne of Blood was an adaptation of the 1957 Kurosawa film by the same name, and is a retelling of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Ping Chong, a school chum of Bill Rouch, directed this world premier stage adaptation in the form of Japanese Noh Theater. We also saw Pride and Prejudice which I found boring; I kept hoping for a few zombies. We saw a charming musical, She Loves Me, which was remarkable for the gorgeous 1930s costumes and the fact that the entire electrical grid in our portion of Ashland blew out at exactly the moment the leading lady hit a high note ending a song. They continued the performance with the emergency lights until the problem was fixed, and their computers could reactivate the lighting and the wagons upon which huge set pieces moved into place. Welcome to live theater. 46

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We saw a magnificent production of Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize winning play, Ruined. This is a story about the resilience of human beings as the women who live – and work – at Mama Nadi’s learn to sing, laugh and read romance novels amidst civil war in the Congo. One of the most memorable lines I’ve ever heard in a play is spoken by the character Salima, as she summons all of her strength to announce firmly, “You will not fight your battles on my body anymore!” And finally, we saw American Night, another world premiere written by Richard Montoya and Culture Clash (a contemporary Chicano/Latino performance troupe). Juan Jose, played by the deliciously handsome Rene Millan, is scheduled to take his citizenship test in the morning. His fevered dreams become a romp through American history, much of which isn’t in his study guide. We plan these trips to include the Daedalus Project Fundraiser every year. We went to a play-reading of Octopus by Steven Yockey in the afternoon. That evening there was a delightful variety show performed by OSF staff and volunteers, as well as the repertory company. Intermission is given over to The Underwear Parade, during which the performers, wearing various styles of undergarments, solicit donations that can be dropped into bags or tucked into lingerie. Typically, this day of fundraising yields between $60,000 and $70,000 which helps support groups working with HIV and AIDS issues. Now however, the summer is waning and the last of our tomatoes are waiting at home to be picked. Our theater lust is sated, our air-beds have been deflated and our damp tents are packed away as we close the pages of the Ashland Travel Journal, 2010. LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

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COURTYARD AESTHETICS Text by K atie Desrochers | Photos by Taylor Vaughn

f you’ve ever considered any sort of medical aesthetics procedure, you’ll know that there are quite a few rejuvenation options out there. With all the choices available, it’s not easy to know exactly which solution is right for you, and it can be challenging to find a medical aesthetics professional with whom you see eye-to-eye. After all, you don’t want to wind up with frozen features, frazzled skin, or a result that just isn’t you. But at Courtyard Aesthetics, you can relax and leave your worries to the experts. As one of the Valley’s premier destinations for medical aesthetics, a visit to this center combines the pampering elements of a deep beauty treatment with the calming expertise of a physician’s outlook. Just one step into Courtyard Aesthetics inspires confidence. Sharing a facility and working in close collaboration with the Visalia Eye Center, this is an aesthetics practice backed up by some serious medical expertise. In the world of cosmetic surgery, the realm of medical aesthetics is more about retouching than overhauling. Procedures are designed to renew rather than reconstruct; complementing the beauty of your existing features rather than assigning you new ones. This less-than-extreme approach to altering the little things is finding a growing fan base in the general population. Whereas cosmetic surgery can still often be seen as the territory of the famous and eccentric, medical aesthetics offers benefits like non50

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invasiveness, little to no recovery time, and affordable price tags. In short, the solutions offered in the field of medical aesthetics usually make far more accessible prospects for those of us for whom time and money are a consideration. However, it’s important to realize that all procedures are not created equal. The relative ease of providing clients with skin and body rejuvenation options means that you’ll find varying levels of quality in all the skin and anti-aging options out there. But at Courtyard Aesthetics, every client is attended to by a team of professionals who hold the ethics of proper medical conduct in the very highest regard. Director and registered nurse Lucy Silva emphasized this outlook as the first priority of Courtyard Aesthetics, “Although this can be a lucrative business, first and foremost we are a medical practice,” explained Silva. “We have ethics, we have morals. Dr. Stan and I really care about the person first.” Dr. Stan of course is Stan Feil M.D., the doctorin-residence of both Courtyard Aesthetics and the Visalia Eye Center–from which this aesthetic practice sprang. Apart from his expertise as an ophthalmic surgeon, Dr. Feil is fully certified in all the treatments Courtyard Aesthetics offers. Clients considering a rejuvenation option can rest assured that the doctor’s expertise has them very well in hand. “Dr. Feil is here full-time, so I have a fulltime surgeon at my disposal,” said Silva.

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YoUR loCAl SolUTIoN FoR A WoRlD-ClASS EXPERIENCE, EvERY STEP oF THE WAY.

OPPOSITE: Gayane Matevosyan, Client Coordinator; Lucy Silva, R.N., B.S.N., P.H.N., Manager & Director of Nursing; Jessica Conrad, M.A.; Michelle Bella, Front Ofﬁce Supervisor; David Feil, M.D.; Stan Feil, M.D.; Maegan Hand, M.A.; Jenna McGuirre, M.A.; Cherie Cozine, Ofﬁce Manager; Dr. Michael Bauman, O.D. Not Pictured: Michelle Gostanian, R.N., Chelsea Souza, Licensed Esthetician TOP LEFT: Lucy Silva, R.N., B.S.N., P.H.N, is advanced trained and certified by several nationally-renowned plastic surgeons/aesthetic M.D.’s in all aesthetic procedures offered at Courtyard Aesthetics. With 15 years of clinical nursing experience, Silva combines nursing with her natural artistic flair in carrying out these specialized treatments – creating exceptional results. LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

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Indeed, having a qualified medical professional on site at all times is something that is surprisingly uncommon in many medical aesthetic practices today, since a surgeon’s hand is not necessarily required to perform many renewal procedures. However, when ranking the level of expertise at a medical aesthetics practice, having an experienced surgeon on-site is one way to measure real excellence. In fact, having a number of medical professionals integrated with the staff is something that defines Courtyard Aesthetics in a big way. “Our patients feel safe and secure knowing that there’s a surgeon here at all times,” Silva explained. “We collaborate with the dermatologists in the area, so if I see something that looks suspicious, I can have the client evaluated by the dermatologist. I believe that everyone needs to work collaboratively as a team in this industry.” This perspective is refreshing to see in an industry increasingly awash with questionable practices and a lack of personal client care. The professionals at Courtyard Aesthetics pride themselves on setting an excellent standard for the services they provide, and the relationships they establish. “We get in rather deep with our clients. I think that’s something which distinguishes us from other cosmetic practices, because we have this moral responsibility to our patients,” said Silva. As always, when considering a client’s candidacy for a procedure, an ethical outlook is at the forefront. Despite their ease and effectiveness, medical aesthetics procedures are not necessarily ideal for everyone, and the experts at Courtyard Aesthetics know this better than most. “If a client has deeper needs that need to be addressed, we want that met first before we start manipulating things on the outside,” explained Silva. “We really look at them as more than just a cosmetic client. They’re a whole person. It’s a comprehensive look at the client and all their systems instead of just a superficial assessment. And the client ends up being much happier this way, because they know that you care about them.” Client satisfaction is at an all-time high at Courtyard Aesthetics. “Even given the recession, we’re fully booked,” Silva stated. “Our retention rate is phenomenal, we retain almost all of our clients.” A record number of satisfied customers is not too surprising when you consider how hard the professionals at Courtyard Aesthetics work to provide their clients with excellent experiences and remarkable results. Along with a trustworthy ethical outlook and a commitment to personalized client care, Courtyard Aesthetics is proud to provide the best procedures with the most natural results. “Even though we are doing procedures, our mission is to allow the person to look refreshed and renewed, but still look like themselves,” said Silva. Between their unflinching devotion to ethical practices, their wholehearted belief in the importance of excellent client care, and their commitment to achieving exclusively natural-looking results, Courtyard Aesthetics goes above and beyond in their quest to provide the very best in medical aesthetics. Clients who step into this top-notch facility will experience only the very finest in treatment, care, and final results. If you’ve ever wanted to bring out the best of your natural beauty, Courtyard Aesthetics is your local solution for a world-class experience at every step of the way.

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GReaT CoaTCApER THE

Text Sharon Mosley

t’s like a great pair of shoes or a fabulous handbag. The perfect coat or jacket can instantly transform your wardrobe... even if you don’t have it all together underneath. It’s what’s on the outside that counts when it comes to choosing your outerwear. First impressions do make a difference. But style is not the only criteria for finding that perfect coat. How a coat fits you may be the best way to determine what coat to buy, according to Paula Reed, British fashion expert. Before you start your coat caper searching for the perfect outerwear, take a few tips from Reed on finding the coat that fits your body: • The most versatile coat for almost all figures is a narrow, figureskimming, three-quarter length coat that hits right on or below the knee. “It is both modern and flattering,” she says. “Curvier figures look good in its figure-skimming sleekness. If you are big-bosomed, go for an open collar that is cut on the wide side. It will never look dated.” • A soft, belted style is the next most versatile shape for most figures, according to the style expert. “It works as easily with jeans and trousers as with dresses. Just make sure the fabric is supple enough to drape, not clump.” • And if you’re tall, stick to a longer coat. “Anyone under 5 feet 7 inches should avoid floor-skimming styles or anything below mid-calf,” she says. • Belts are a great figure enhancer unless you have substantial hips, says Reed. “A belted coat will give almost anyone an hourglass figure,” she adds. “But those who are short-waisted or wide in the middle look better in slim, tailored coats without a belt.” • If you are curvy, accentuating the narrowest part of your body – your waist – will give you instant glamour, admits Reed. “Belted coats, whether they hit below the knee or mid-thigh, look good,” she says. “But a three-quarter length coat that skims the body will look even better. Short, boxy styles will make your curves look bulky. So will voluminous A-lines that drop from the shoulders.” Instead, Reed suggests choosing tailored, curvefriendly options. • Be wary of thick, bulky fabrics. Steer clear of the puffy parkas if your body is not on the slim side. “If you don’t want to add extra poundage,” she says, “opt for unpadded versions.” • If you’re petite, belted shapes that sit on or just above the knee will look great, says Reed. “Short coats will increase leg length.” • Proportion is the most important facet of finding the perfect coat that flatters your body, adds Reed. “You must take time to assess how the bulk of a coat affects your figure,” she says. “It can do good things such as smoothing over problem areas or bad things such as adding width where you don’t need it. So try to be as objective as possible.” For any coat caper this fall, search out the most versatile toppers you can find. You’ll wear them for seasons to come.

LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

FASHION F

LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

PERFORMANCES

SYMPHoNY

“BITS aND PIeCeS” Text By Marsha Peltzer

hristmas is coming, there is music in the air, and the Tulare County Symphony Orchestra will renew its traditional “Holiday Concert” after a hiatus of several years. The performance will be held on Saturday, December 11, at the Fox Theater. Music Director Bruce Kiesling is busy planning a fun-filled family event that will include old favorites as well as whimsical pieces, including “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” – for all the kids, young and old. Kiesling is enthusiastic about the great quality of talent in the area, and he will have at least four local singers performing many of the selections. “O Holy Night” and “Merry Christmas, Darling” are just two of the solo pieces slated for the program. Tracy Harris will perform a solo, and her popular Flute Ensemble will be on hand as well. A Christmas concert wouldn’t be complete without a holiday sing along, so be prepared to chime in on some old favorites. Among other selections will be Leroy Anderson’s ever popular “Sleigh Ride” and of course, selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet. Tickets are available at the Symphony Office – (559)732-8600 The newly-formed Sequoia Youth Symphony is now practicing every Monday evening at College of the Sequoias. This joint venture between the college and the Symphony has attracted some of the “best and brightest young high school and college students in the area,” according to Bruce Kiesling. As many of you already know, Kiesling was selected by Gustavo Dudamel – the current Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic – to be the Music Director for the Los Angeles Youth Symphony. Dudamel has become legendary in his native Venezuela. Born in 1981, the young composer and conductor has been featured three times on 60 Minutes, most notably in February 2008 in a segment entitled “Gustavo the Great”. Dudamel’s work with youth symphonies is renowned all over South America. He studied music from an early age, becoming involved with El Sistma, the famous Venezuelan musical education program. It is not surprising that Dudamel has been very proactive in establishing the Los Angeles Youth Symphony, and his appointment of Kiesling to direct the program is an enormous testament to Kiesling’s ability. Tulare County has now become the beneficiary of Kiesling’s expertise, and we can look forward to three concerts a year featuring these young musicians. The students are given college credit for the class. 56

LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

Speaking of inspiring our young would-be musicians, the Tulare County Symphony recently performed seven concerts for Elementary School students – approximately 11,000 in all, throughout Visalia, Tulare and Porterville. These concerts have become a tradition under the tutelage of David Andre in conjunction with the Tulare County Office of Education, and have attracted both public and private school students for many years. When so many school districts are cutting back on supporting the arts, we are indeed fortunate that Tulare County still values our exceptional music and theatrical programs. Tracy Harris, her Wyndfall Chamber Music Series and the Wyndfall Flute Orchestra give five concerts a season at different venues in Visalia. This last summer her concerts were held at the Neighborhood Church and The Center for Spiritual Awareness. It is truly entertainment at its finest! Harris’ next concert is scheduled for December 4 at the Center. Billed as A Silvery Christmas, it will feature the Tulare County Symphony Flute section and will be conducted by Bruce Kiesling. Harris is well known for her expressive, rich tone and superb interpretation of flute music. Among her many professional venues, Harris has played on PBS with members of Sting, soloed at NFA conventions and recorded for Disney Films. In addition, Harris has played on NPR radio with her sister, harpist Wendy Harris-LeBlanc, and her sister-in-law, gold medal-winning concert pianist Svetlana Rudikova-Harris. Together, these women form the award-winning Wyndfall Trio ensemble. Tracy is a passionate educator and advocate for musical youth throughout the country, as well as a highly sought-after clinician for Yamaha. She has performed in Master Classes with such luminaries as James Pellerite, Jean-Pierre Rampal and Julius Baker.

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F FACES & PLACES

pickens/Cuellar Art Show

n October 1, local art lovers gathered at Arts Visalia to take in the work of artists Anthony Cuellar and Bryan Pickens. The venue buzzed with enthusiasm as Visaliaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community of art patrons mingled and admired the contemporary pieces on display.

1. Kim Burchett, Gladys Fariss, Debbie Buckner 2. Artists Anthony Cuellar and Bryan Pickens 3. Jeani Mills 4. Kristin McMillan, Kevin Bowman, Pat Foster 5. Renella Smith 6. Walter Gorelick, Dolores Witt, Ellen Gorelick 7. Sabrina Bagliere, Theresa Sampietro 8. Rick and Mary Jo Estes 9. Jay Casa, Kellie Palmer 10. Cresta Poole, Helen Ganzfried, Laurie Young 11. Danielle Doyle, Anthony Torres

To see more photos from this event, visit www. Facebook.com/LifestyleMag

LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

FACES & PLACES F

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LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

F FACES & PLACES

Denim and Diamonds

appy Trails Riding Academy is a non-profit therapeutic equine riding program for children and adults with physical, cognitive, and psychological disabilites. On October 9, 2010, Happy Trails celebrated its 4th Annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Denim & Diamondsâ&#x20AC;? fundraiser; the dinner and auction raised over $13,000.

LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

FACES & PLACES F

19th Annual Spirit of the Holidays an Exeter Tradition of Premium Wine Tasting, Silent Auction and... LIVE CHRISTMAS TREE AUCTIO! A Premier Event to KICK-OFF the Holiday Season! Featuring 8 Premium Tobin James Wines

EXETER MEMORIAL BUILDI!G Dec. 4th 4-7 PM Tickets available from: !ielsen & Associates Insurance Bank of the Sierra Exeter Chamber Kiwanis Members

www.exeterkiwanis.org

For more info. Call 592-2919

Proceeds beneďŹ t the Kiwanis Benevolent Fund

More Than A Trusted Advisor

1. Trudy Johnson, Alice Kampen, Janie Priest 2. Victor Mendes, Pete Vander Poel, Vivien Vander Poel 3. Andre Gaston, Jacque Gaston 4. Micaela Soria, Ann Sullins 5. Johnny Jenkins, Sherry Jenkins, Breanna Jones 6. Colleen Veyna, Michael Hopkins 7. Eldon Burton, Jerry Hope, Melissa Ellis 8. Jerry Hope 9. Dan & Barbara Xavier, Tim & Jennifer Stelter 10. Sharron & Robert Van Hooser, Gay & John Kinder 11. Jim Sullins, Jay Michael Lane 12. Richie Burr-Chene, Kam Galante 13. Bob & Diane Mattick 14. Rebecca King, Dorothy King, Dale Wainwright, Steven Alvarado 15. Jill & Ron Fleeman 16. (Front) Becky Brown, Melissa Ellis, Lori Brown, Lisa Nunes. (Back) Chuck Brown, Norman Vincent, Bill Ellis, Ty Nunes.

Front L-to-R: Monica Peterson, Amy Gunn, Penney Sick, Jim Wohlford Back L-to-R: Sherri Rigney, David Sharp, Lupe Sanchez

Jim Wohlford â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Branch Manager & Senior Vice President/Investments Lupe Sanchez â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Vice President/Investments David Sharp â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Vice President/Investments Penney Sick â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Vice President/Investments Amy Gunn â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Client Service Associate Monica Peterson â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Office Coordinator Sherri Rigney â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Wire Operator

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To see more photos from this event, visit www.Facebook.com/ LifestyleMag LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

Friday, December 3, 2010 Visalia Convention Center 7PM - Midnight Tickets available starting September 15 www.visaliachamber.org 559-734-5876 Don’t miss the VIP Party: VIP Ticket holders receive early admission, premium wine tasting, reserved seating, and one complimentary photo per couple.

Save the Date Friday, December 3, 2010 30th Annual Christmas Tree Auction

A ROYAL CHRISTMAS

December 3

Enjoy a regal holiday at the Visalia Chamber of Commerce’s 30th Annual Christmas Tree Auction. Decorated by community volunteers, trees are auctioned off to benefit local non-profits. Enjoy music, prizes, fine food, and wine tasting. Tickets: $75, or $150 for VIP admission. When: Friday, December 3, 7p-Midnight Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia

THEATERPERFORMANCESMUSIC N O v . A Christmas Carol -directed by Chris Mangels The classic story of Scrooge and his visit with three ghosts who attempt to show him the danger of his current path and endeavor to renew in him the true sprit of Christmas. When: December 3-5, 10-12, 17-18, call for show times. Where: The Main Street Theater, 307 W. Main St., visalia Contact: Box Office 739-4600 or www. enchantedplayhouse.org

D E C . Tulare County Symphony The ensemble keeps things classically festive with a program of delightful holiday pop tunes such as “Sleigh Ride”, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, selections from “The Nutcracker”, and “I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas”. When: Saturday, December 11, 7:30p Where: visalia Fox Theater, 300 W. Main St., visalia Contact: 732-8600 or tcsymph@ sbcglobal.net

LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

FUNDRAISINGEvENTS

N O v . Thanksgiving Day “Race Against Hunger” visalia Emergency Aid Council’s 6th annual 5K run/2 mile family walk to benefit the neediest children in our area and to help make Christmas a joyous occasion. Registration ends November 21 at 11:59pm When: Thursday, November 25, 6a-7:45a Pre-Registration; 8a Race Starts Where: Garden Plaza, Main & Garden, visalia Contact: veac.org or 732-0101

D E C . “A Royal Christmas” Enjoy a regal holiday at the visalia Chamber of Commerce’s 30th Annual Christmas Tree Auction. Decorated by community volunteers, trees are auctioned off to benefit local non-profits. Enjoy music, prizes, fine food, and wine tasting. Tickets: $75, or $150 for vIP admission. When: Friday, December 3, 7p-Midnight Where: visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., visalia Contact: Barbara Mayeda BMayeda@kdhcd.org

AR TS & AR T ExHI BI TS N O v . Art Exhibit: A Visual Harvest- Paintings by Paul Buxman Renowned for his work as an environmentally-conscious farmer as well as an artist whose work has been displayed throughout the United States, Buxmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plein-air landscape paintings champion for the preservation of farm land and family farms. When: November 3-24, WednesdaySaturday 12-5:30p Where: Arts visalia, 214 East Oak Avenue, visalia Contact: 739-0905 or visit www.artsvisalia.org

N O v . Art Exhibit: Where Different Paths Meet Artists Bob Goetting, Don Eric Butler, and John Griesbach are three local men whose lives have taken various career paths. They come together to exhibit the works that connect them. When: Every Saturday-Sunday, October 2â&#x20AC;&#x201C;December 29, 10a-4p Where: Courthouse Gallery, 125 N. B Street, Exeter Contact: Marty Weekly, 592-1143 or Anna Nelson, 592-3882

D E C . Arts Visaliaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3rd Annual Holiday Show and Sale Find the perfect gift as you enjoy browsing the wide selection of paintings, prints, unique gift cards, hand-blown glassware, and ornaments from local and regional artists. When: December 1-31, WednesdaySaturday 12-5:30. Opening Reception for Public: December 3, 6-8p Where: Arts visalia, 214 East Oak Avenue, visalia Contact: 739-0905 or visit www.artsvisalia.org

Art Exhibit: Sew Eclecticâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; An Exhibition of Quilt Art Ten Central valley-based quilt artists comprise the group known as the Sew Eclectics. Come and view their array of traditional and contemporary approaches to the quilt form. When: December 1-31, WednesdaySaturday 12-5:30p. Opening Reception for Public: December 3, 6-8p Where: Arts visalia, 214 East Oak Avenue, visalia Contact: 739-0905 or visit www.artsvisalia.org D E C. 1st Saturday in Three Rivers Celebrate art, music, dance, storytelling, food and drink as you find gift ideas and browse the art galleries, studios, and gift shops of Downtown Three Rivers. For discounts and participants, visit website. When: Saturday, December 4, 10a-5p Where: Maps at Anne Langâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Emporium, 41651 Sierra Dr. (CA 198), Three Rivers Contact: Nadi Spencer, 561-4373 or www.1stSaturdayTR.com

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LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

DIvERSIoNSExCURSIONS N O v . Fox Film Series: November Enjoy viewings of a selection of independent and limited-release films. This month: “Babies” -a documentary about the early lives of four different infants around the globe; and “The Extra Man” -a film about a wealthy Upper East Side escort and his playwright protégé. Tickets: $5 When: “   Babies” -Tuesday, November 23, “The Extra Man” -Tuesday, November 30. Organ prelude @ 7p. Film @ 7:30p Where: F   ox Theater, 300 W. Main St., visalia Contact: 6   25-1369 or www.foxvisalia. com

N O v . 65th Annual Candy Cane Lane parade The largest and longest running evening holiday parade in the Central valley will kick off the season with “A Mariachi Christmas” bringing holiday spirit to the streets of Downtown visalia. When: M   onday, November 29, 7p Where: D   owntown visalia – Main Street, from Sante Fe to Conyer. Contact: i  nfo@downtownvisalia.com

D E C.“A Whimsical Christmas” – Exeter Christmas parade Enjoy a festive evening at the annual Exeter Christmas parade. Illuminated floats representing this year’s theme of a magical holiday will delight patrons of all ages. When: F   riday, December 3, 6:30p Where: D   owntown Exeter -Pine Street Contact: E   xeter Chamber of Commerce, 592-5262

If you would like to have your event considered for a free listing in our “Happenings” section, please email your submission to lifestyle@dmiagency.com or fax to 738-0909, Attention Happenings. Please note, we do not guarantee listing of any submission. Submissions are due 6 weeks prior to publication.

LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010

D E C. Exeter Holiday Open House Come celebrate the holidays in downtown Exeter. Local merchants will be open late for you to enjoy food, festivities, and a visit from Santa! No charge for admission. When: T  hursday, December 9, 5p-9p Where: D   owntown Exeter -Pine Street Contact: E   xeter Chamber of Commerce, 592-2919

N O v. 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. When: S   aturdays, 8a-11:30a, Sequoia Mall, Sears parking lot Contact: 9   67-6722 or www. visaliafarmersmarket.com

ClASSES & WORKSHOPS N O v . CASA Volunteer Orientations When: Mondays - 5:30p & Thursdays, 12p-1p Where: C   ASA office, 1146 N. Chinowth, visalia Contact: S   id Loveless at 625-4007

N O v . Visalia Toastmasters Toastmasters is a nonprofit organization that helps people with public speaking and leadership skills. Club meetings are held weekly. When: T  uesdays, 6:30p-8p Where: v   isalia United Methodist Church, 5200 W. Caldwell, visalia Contact: 7   13-0138 or www. visaliatoastmasters.org

W R I T ER S & REA D E R S N O v. Tulare County Library Children’s Storytime Baby/Toddler Time (Tues. 10a), Preschool Storytime (Wed. 10a). When: Call or visit website to confirm times. Where: T  ulare County Library, 200 W. Oak Ave., visalia Contact: C   hildren’s desk at 733-6954 ext. 209 or www.tularecountylibrary. org

N O v. ImagineU Story Hour An hour of imagination-inspiring stories read by guest story tellers. Children participate in the storytelling process by singing, acting out movements and dancing. When: F   ridays, 10a-11a Where: I  magineU: Interactive Children’s Museum, 700 E. Main St., visalia, CA 93292 Contact: 5   59-733-5975 or www. imagineumuseum.org

CHIlDHooD DISTRACTIONS N O v . Yo Gabba Gabba Live: T  here’s a party in My City High energy live show includes music, animation, games, singing, dancing and offers audience members of all ages the opportunity to witness their favorite characters come to life. Tickets: $   38.50. When: T  uesday, November 23, 6p Where: S   ave Mart Center: 2650 E. Shaw Ave., Fresno, CA 93710 Contact: 8   00-745-3000, or visit Ticketmaster. com for tickets.

N O v . Visalia Swim Club – Y   ear-Round program A member of USA Swimming and a 501(c)3 organization, dedicated to guiding youth (6-18) to learn, love and succeed at life through swimming. Costs: $55/month plus $62 annual USA Swimming membership. When: M   onday-Friday, 5:30p-7p Where: C   ollege of the Sequoias - Pool, Woodland St. & College Ct., visalia (north of tennis courts) Contact: H   ead Coach Kyler, 737-2080 or www.visaliaswimclub.com

Agventures at Heritage Complex Agricultural Learning Center and Farm Equipment Museum with nearly 15 professionally designed interactive displays When: M   onday-Friday, 9a-4p Where: I  nternational Agri-Center, 4450 S. Laspina Street, Tulare Contact: 6   88-1751 or www.heritagecomplex. com/Agventures

We Are Pleased To Announce That Karen Lovik Lindberg Associate Vice President-Investments Certiﬁed Financial PlannerTM Has Joined Our Visalia Office

Karen Lovik Lindberg, CFP® Associate Vice President - Investments 3700 W. Mineral King Ave. Visalia, CA 93291 559-636-8590 • 800-688-8590 559-636-2465 Investment and Insurance Products: ! NOT FDIC Insured ! NO Bank Guarantee ! MAY Lose Value

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2010 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 0910-3528 [74018-v2] A1287

The Boys & Girls Club of Tulare County The Boys & Girls Club of Tulare County offers a variety of youth development activities and classes for children of all ages. Annual Fee $10 When: M   onday-Friday, 12p-8p Where: 2   15 W. Tulare Ave., visalia Contact: 6   25-4422 or w   ww.bgclubtc.org The Boys & Girls Clubs o   f the Sequoias Offering children ages 6-18 development and training in computer technology, life skills, sports, art, music and homework assistance. Annual fee $15. When: M   onday-Friday, 2p-6p Where: E   xeter – Farmersville – Porterville Contact: 5   92-2711 or www.bgcsequoias.org N O v . Imagine U Interactive Children’s Museum Imagine U offers a variety of weekly interactive exhibits, events, and activities designed to entertain and engage your preschool child. Cost: $4 ages 2 & up When: W   ednesday-Friday, 10a-4p & Saturday, 12p-4p Where: 7   00 E. Main St., visalia Contact: 7   33-5975 or www. imagineumuseum.org

LIFESTYLE | NOVEMBER 2010