WOODS HUMANE SOCIETY

JournalPLUSOCTOBER 2011

Executive Director, Cory Karpin

MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

DR. LOU TEDONE | COBY PARKER-GARCIA | PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL | JANNA NICHOLS

Serving the entire SLO County since 1978

805-543-2172 www.farrellsmyth.com

Twila ArrittBroker-Associate

Pamela BlissBroker-Associate

Theresa CarrollREALTOR®

Patricia GarrisonREALTOR®

Vicky HallREALTOR®

Kelly HannulaREALTOR®

Annette MullenREALTOR®

Laura RizzoliREALTOR®

Mary RosenthalREALTOR®

Janet ShanerREALTOR®

8 Ocean View Apartments. 100% Occupied. Now professional managed. Turn-key condition. Extensive down to the studs Renovation! Originally built in 1973. Effective age 2007. Ocean views from all units, 5 w/ White Water Views! $899,000

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Light, bright Morro Bay beach charmer with 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms plus a double car garage, Cathedral ceilings, and upgraded flooring. Easy maintenance fenced yard. Some views of the ocean from the front lawn & just blocks from the beach. $369,500

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Laguna Lake Mobile Estates in SLO. Prime location in park overlooking the creek. Huge deck for great times and relaxation. Three bed rooms, two baths. Open living room/dining area. All age park. $124,500

21 Santa Rosa Street, Suite 100, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405Conveniently located in the heart of San Luis Obispo.

Our office is open 7 days a week.

Live or Vacation in Morro Bay! Enjoy the wonderful Rock and Ocean views, tiled fireplace and open floor plan for entertaining. Two spacious master bedrooms and one charming guest bedroom plus 3 full bathrooms. Start enjoying the beach life! $489,500

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Darling SLO Single-level, 4Br, PLUS another approx 350 sqft enclosed patio room. Great investment property or make it your own home! Fenced yard, 2-car attached garage. Turn-key, move-in condition! Price Reduced $433,000

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Jennifer HamiltonRelocation Director

Larry D. SmythBroker

Cindy NewtonREALTOR®

Stephanie HamiltonREALTOR®

MORIARTYENTERPRISESFinancial Services since 1954

P.O. Box 970, Grover Beach, CA 93483

Phone: (805) 481-4990

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CONTENTS

12

COBY PARKER-GARCIA

O C T O B E R 2011 JournalPLUS

14

DR. LOU TEDONE

20

PLEIN AIR ART FESTIVAL

PEOPLE10 COBY PARKER-GARCIA

12 CORY KARPIN – WOODS EXECUTIVE DIR.

14 DR. LOU TEDONE

16 JULIUS ACHON

HOME & OUTDOOR18 BOOK CLUBS

20 PLEIN AIR ART FESTIVAL

22 JANNA NICHOLS PHOTOS

24 FOOD / AT THE MARKET

COMMUNITY26 SLO ART SCENE

27 VETS VOICE

28 I CARE INTERNATIONAL

30 GRACE BARNEBERG/MONDAY CLUB

32 HISTORY: Suffrage Movement/Katherine Cox

34 HOSPICE CORNER / CROSSWORD PUZZLE

36 PALM STREET – SLO Councilman, Ashbaugh

41 OUR SCHOOLS Dr. Julian Crocker

46 ALMANAC – The Month of October

BUSINESS37 DOWNTOWN SLO What’s Happening

42 THE BULLETIN BOARD

45 EYE ON BUSINESS

JournalMAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST PLUSThe People, Community, and Business of Our Beautiful Central Coast

ADDRESS 654 Osos Street San Luis Obispo California 93401

PHONE 805.546.0609

E-MAIL slojournal@fix.net

WEBSITE www.slojournal.com

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Steve Owens

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Erin Mott

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Dora Mountain

COPY EDITOR Susan Stewart

PHOTOGRAPHER Tom Meinhold

DISTRIBUTION Keith Malcomson

ADVERTISING Jan Owens, Kristen Hathaway

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Stewart, Natasha Dalton, Hilary Grant, Joseph Carotenuti, Dr. Julian Crocker, Sarah Hedger, Maggie Cox, Deborah Cash, Charlotte Alexander, Patti Taylor, John Ashbaugh, Muara Johnston, Frank Rowan, Bob Huttle, Gordon Fuglie, Marilyn Darnell and Phyllis Benson

Mail subscriptions are available at $20 per year. Back issues are $2 each. Inquires concerning advertising or other information made by writing to Steve Owens, JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE, 654 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. You can call us at 546-0609, our fax line is 546-8827, and our e-mail is slojournal@fix.net. View the entire magazine on our website at www.slojournal.com

JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE is distributed monthly free by mail to all single family households of San Luis Obispo and is available free at over 600 locations throughout the county.

Editorial submissions are welcome but are published at the discretion of the publisher. Submissions will be returned if accompanied by a stamped self addressed envelope. No material published in the magazine can be reproduced without written permission.

Opinions expressed in the byline articles are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE.

Cover photo by TOM MEINHOLD

Enjoy the magazine,

Steve Owens

This month the Central Coast begins to celebrate the 100th anniversary of

the 19th Amendment – women’s right to vote. Several events have been scheduled. We have had requests to profile some local women who were strong leaders along the way. We have sched-uled three such stories beginning

with Joe Carotenuti’s piece on Katherine Cox and Patti Taylor’s look back at Grace Barneberg and the Monday Club. Next month Dick Miller will add to this topic.

Our cover story is on Woods Humane Society’s newly named Executive Director, Cory Karpin. Karpin left the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center Executive Director’s position to take on this new role. He gives us a look at what’s new and what’s happening at the Shelter.

Bob Huttle writes about local icon, Dr. Lou Tedone. Dr. Tedone has touched many lives on the Central Coast in one way or another, including taking care of my three children as they were growing up. Huttle tells us his experience with Lou’s famous daily routine of mozzarella making. You’ll enjoy his story.

Finally, we feature three art related stories including the Plein Air Art Festival, the photo display presenta-tion of Janna Nichols, and Gordon Fuglie’s feature of the new Executive Director of the SLO Arts Council, Charlotte Alexander.

Plenty of good reading again this month.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Jason VorkDRE #1012828

(805) 440-4539jason@realestategroup.com

962 Mill Street, SLOSee more listings at

www.realestategroup.com

French Brothers Neighborhood

3966 HOLLYHOCK WAY, SAN LUIS OBISPO Located just a few blocks from the Marigold Shopping Center and the popular French Park. This lovely 4 bedroom, 3 bath home features ap-proximately 2,315 square feet, a remodeled kitchen with beautiful flooring, granite slab counter tops and newer appliances, plus upgraded bathroom. $599,000

Lovely Royal Heights Estates

2010 ROYAL WAY, SAN LUIS OBISPOLocated within the Royal Heights Estates neighborhood near the end of the cul-de-sac and close to shopping, hiking trails and municipal golf course this approximately 2,100 square foot home features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a 2-car garage. $629,000

PRICE REDUCED

PRICE REDUCED

W W W . P A C S L O . O R G

Now view our printed calendar of events entirely online. Visit our website today and find your way to the best seats in the house.

We’ve gone green .

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday, Oct. 4, 7:30 pmForbes Pipe Organ Recital: Cameron Carpenter Cal Poly Arts

Sunday, Oct. 16, 7 pmMary OliverCal Poly Arts

Tuesday, Nov. 2, 7:30 pm“Weird Al” Yankovic - The Alpocalypse Tour Cal Poly Arts

Friday, Oct. 14, 8 pmKenny Endo and On Ensemble: Taiko 2.0Cal Poly Arts

Friday, Oct. 28, 8 pm Cal Poly Parents’ Weekend Ensemble ShowcaseCal Poly Music Dept.

Saturday, Nov. 5, 8 pmHideo Sponsored by Cal Poly Music Department

Saturday, Oct. 8, 8 pmSLO Symphony: Opening Night - The Rach 2 SLO Symphony

Saturday, Oct. 22, 7 pm & Sunday, Oct. 23, 2 pmCome Together Academy of Dance & CORE Dance

Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 amThe MET Live in HD: Wagner’s SiegfriedOpera SLO & CPA

Saturday, Oct. 1, 7:30 pmThe Beatles Concert ExperienceWest Coast Performing Arts Presenters

Sunday, Oct. 16, 10 amBravoSLO! 2011FREE Performing Arts ShowcasePAC & FPAC

Sunday, Oct. 30, 7 pmPilobolus Cal Poly Arts

805.SLO.ARTS

Phone | 805.756.2787Fax | 805.756.6088

WWW.PACSLO.ORG

Saturday, Oct. 15, 8 pmAXIS Dance CompanyCal Poly Arts

Saturday, Oct. 15, 9:55 amThe MET Live in HD: Donizetti’s Anna BolenaOpera SLO & CPA

Sat., Oct. 29, 1 pm & 4 pmThe Magic School Bus Live: The Climate Challenge Cal Poly Arts

Sunday, Nov. 6, 7 pmMarc Cohn Cal Poly Arts

Quality toys at discount prices

682 Higuera St. • San Luis Obispo • 541-2896Santa Maria Town Center Mall • Santa Maria • 922-9700

Valid at both the SLO and Santa Maria stores. These prices good through 10/31/2011, no coupon needed.

Not valid with any other promotion or offer.

Prices Slashed Store-Wide!

Play-Doh 15pc Party Pack sale 3.99

Littlest Pet Shop Ultimate Pet Collection sale 12.99

Nerf Classic Football & Nerf Howler Football sale 7.99

Lite Brite sale 9.99

Travel Games sale 3.99

Tolo-Your Choice any item of up to a

12.99 value for

3.99

All Floor Puzzles (Melissa & Doug, Ravensburger)

regular 12.99

6.99

Frisbees regular 2.99

sale 1.39

John Hansen Backgammon Set

regular 17.99 for

9.99

Playmobil Corsair

regularly 39.99

sale 23.99

Mattel Jurassic Copter regular 39.99 sale 19.99Bathtub Brittany

regular 29.99 for

14.99Handyman Tool Set

regular 49.99 for

19.99

For more information on these and other Real Estate Group of SLO listings call us at

805.541.2888962 Mill Street • San Luis Obispo, California 93401 • www.RealEstateGroup.com

A proud tradition of serving our community for over 26 years

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Gorgeous views of Bishop’s Peak. Single level, 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths. Large, formal living room, formal dining room and comfortable family room with wood burning fireplace and 1/2 bath. This home offers a fantastic opportunity to remodel and customize your dream home in one of San Luis Obispo’s highly coveted neighborhoods $699,000 #2866

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Beautiful lot just split estimated by engineers to be 3.7 acres. Flat and usable with seasonal creek and majestic oaks/trees just outside of SLO city limits in the prestigious Perozzi Ranch Subdivision off of Orcutt. Private entrance/drive off of Tanglewood. Approximate building envelope identified on photos. Beautiful parcel waiting for your custom home. Priced to sell! Location, location, location. $499,000 #2756

NIPOMO – Spacious home with a charming porch ready to greet you! Cathedral ceilings and lots of windows provide a bright and ample living space while bringing the outside in. Roomy kitchen allows for multiple cooks and the separate dining area allows you to dine in style. Generous office space could be converted to a 4th bedroom. Come make your new memories here! $197,500 #2905

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Single Level, four bedroom home located on a corner lot in San Luis Obispo, with new paint and carpet throughout, large living room with kitchen bar. Private backyard. Fenced front and side yards. Two car garage. Updated baths and showers. $429,000 #2901

ARROYO GRANDE – Mediterranean style single-level home in a gated community. Complete kitchen remodel. 2+ acres of land to enjoy. Great views of Arroyo Grande hills and the surrounding area in this 3 bedroom, 3 bath, approx. 2650+ square foot home with 3-car garage. $689,000 #2886

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Featuring a single level home and approx. 3,000 sq. ft. detached workshop with guest apartment. Property ideal for horses! Room for arena, stables and 100+ gpm well. The cozy main residence includes 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, formal dining area, living room with fireplace and several sliding glass doors opening to beautifully manicured lawns and tranquil gardens. Great location for weddings or other large events. The expansive workshop is a car collector’s dream boasting 4 covered garage spaces, each equipped with commercial automatic doors. Large enough for RV parking! The property also includes a fruit orchard, tool shed, and fenced lawn area perfect for dogs. $939,000 #2906

EdnaValley Retreat on 4.24 Acres

GROVER BEACH – For Sale or Lease. A very clean 17,800 sq. ft. commercial building comprised of 10,000 sq. ft. of clear span warehouse and 7,800 sq. ft. of very nice office space. Four loading docks, reception area, 15 private offices including an executive office, conference room, full kitchen with outdoor patio, shower facilities, street to street lot. Zoned Light Manufacturing. 31 on-site parking spaces. $1,750,000 #2907

Great Commercial Building

SAN LUIS OBISPO – The quiet cul-de-sac location not only offers amazing views, but one of the best micro-climates in the area. Situated on a 1/4 acre lot, this nearly new 4Br/2.5Ba, 2300 sq. ft. home was rebuilt by a true artisan craftsman. Every major system from plumbing to roofing is new. The open kitchen design features colored concrete counter tops, stainless appliances & custom alder cabinets. The master bedroom suite is amazing. A must-see property. $898,000 #2908

One very-happy-to-be-here,

Central Coast winemaker has taken a nostalgic adage to heart: there really is no place like home.

Indeed, although he has traveled, and lived, around the world, San Luis Obispo native Coby Parker-Garcia has discovered that when it comes to growing roots and settling down, SLO-town isn’t only the best location to hone a rewarding career… it’s also the ideal spot to find true love.

In fact, it was through his job – head winemaker for Claiborne & Churchill, a husband-and-wife owned enterprise in Edna Valley – that Parker-Garcia, who was born at Sierra Vista Hospital and is now 35 years old, met wife Katie. (Parker-Garcia’s parents are Tony Garcia and Mary Parker; there are also sisters Davila and Krystal, brother Daniel and stepbrother Michael.) The couple tied the knot this past July in Griffith Woods, a majestic redwood tree grove in Santa Rosa.

The newlywed wasn’t always this sure footed.

A 1994 graduate of San Luis Obispo High School, Parker-Garcia says, “Before college, I didn’t know what I was going to do in life. But then I shared a bottle of Pinot Noir with a good friend – and a light went on.

“I knew right then that I wanted to get into the wine industry, and if possible, make wine for a living.”

To that end, Parker-Garcia enrolled at Cal Poly, which then didn’t offer a winemaking major. So instead, his degree is in Agriculture Business with a concentration in marketing. Parker-Garcia’s minor, in viticulture and wine studies, also reflected his future goal.

It was during these years, too, that Parker-Garcia met Claiborne “Clay” Thompson and Fredericka Churchill, former University of Michigan professors, founders and hands-on owners of Claiborne & Churchill. The couple offered the ambitious student an internship.

“That allowed me to help out during harvest, and at the same time, get a grasp of what else went on at that time of year, including what was happening in the cellar,” says Parker-Garcia. “After harvest, I stayed on and worked in the tasting room.”

Although the small winery then had no permanent position to offer him, Parker-Garcia knew he had found a place that fit, and came up with this solution: he continued to work Saturdays and Sundays at the winery, and during the week, sold produce in Santa Maria.

In 2004, Parker-Garcia was promoted to full-time work – and be-came C & C’s Assistant Winemaker.

“I worked with Clay for three years, learning exactly how to make the most extraordinary wine,” says Parker-Garcia. “Then, in 2007, I think that Clay realized my dedication to quality, and my understanding of making wine. I’ve been Head Winemaker ever since.”

The title carries a cornucopia of duties.

“During harvest, in the fall and into November, I’m trying to get the grapes out of the vineyard at the perfect time, process them, and start the fermentation process,” he says. “After that, I’m beginning to think about certain white blends for bottling, and then, in the spring, I’m busy bottling white wines.”

By the time summer rolls around, Parker-Garcia says that lots of Pinot Noir and other reds are blended, and in July, most of the wines from the previous year have been bottled.

There is, of course, also the down-and-dirty vineyard work – “the vines need to be healthy and happy” – as well as promoting Claiborne & Churchill products.

“I love getting out in the market and showing off,” he explains. “It’s just like an artist showing off his paintings at an art gallery.

“To see the joy in people’s faces after they’ve tasted something you’ve made is incredibly rewarding.”

What about Parker-Garcia’s life with Katie, a floral designer whom he met five years ago at an industry mixer?

“Katie is not only beautiful,” says Parker-Garcia. “She also brings the best out of me, challenging me to do better in life and reach my full potential. Although it took me six months to work up the nerve to ask

PEOPLE10

O C T O B E R 2011 JournalPLUS

coby parker-garciaWINEMAKER AND NEWLYWED LIVES THE SLO LIFEBy Hilary Grant

Coby and Katie on their wedding day this last Summer

PEOPLE 11

coby parker-garciaWINEMAKER AND NEWLYWED LIVES THE SLO LIFEBy Hilary Grant

O C T O B E R 2011 JournalPLUS

her out, we talked for hours on our first date – and have been inseparable ever since.

“I knew that I had found my life companion.”

Of course, Parker-Garcia still has the travel bug, something he happily acquired at a young age.

“My first haircut was at a barbershop in Tijuana,” he says. “And every summer while I was growing up, my mom would pack up our RV and we’d head off to some remote area of America.” Those sojourns, says Parker-Garcia, included river rafting trips in Idaho, Mesa Verde in Colorado and nearly all of the na-tional parks in the Western United States.

As he came of age, Parker-Garcia broadened his horizons.

“In high school, as part of a jazz choir tour, I went to Australia and New Zealand, and also during that time, took a trip to Costa Rica, where I competed in an international soccer tournament,” he says.

Life after high school included a year in Mexico, a summer in Spain – “drinking

Spanish wine was a real eye-opener!” – and nearly half a year backpacking around Peru and Bolivia.

“The best thing about traveling is putting yourself outside your comfort zone,” says Parker-Garcia. “Meeting new people, see-ing new things, experiencing life. You real-ize, fast, how big of a world we live in, and how many cool and interesting things are out there.”

Parker-Garcia thinks his next big trip, with Katie by his side, will be exploring Italy.

There are, however, no plans to permanently leave SLO anytime soon.

“There are so many great outdoor activities here,” he says. “Also, Katie has her business, she’s amazing, and of course, I want to stay in the wine industry.

“And then there’s the weather – it doesn’t get any better than on the Central Coast.”

Find out more about Coby Parker-Garcia at the Claiborne & Churchill web site, at clai-bornechurchill.com.

Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Lending available in California (Dept. of Real Estate, Real Estate Broker #01218426), Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

Bill MottMortgage Loan Officer805-234-5081bmott@bankofcommercemortgage.comDRE # 01359516

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Coby and Katie and wine bottle corks everywhere

O C T O B E R 2011 JournalPLUS

PEOPLE12

In One Of the cleverest lOcal tv cOmmercIals ever made, a dog and cat visit Woods Humane Society to “look” at the humans in hopes of adopting one. Inside the kennels,

humans of varying sizes, shapes, and colors display endearing behaviors for a gorgeous blond Labrador retriever and a winsome gray-and-white feline. It’s a charming, albeit all too brief, role reversal reminding viewers of the importance of supporting their local animal shelter. In May of this year, Cory Karpin stepped into his new position as Executive Director at Woods, where he works with a dedicated staff to raise funds, educate the public, maintain and expand a number of innovative programs, and care for the nearly 200 dogs and cats awaiting adoption on any given day.

Coming to Woods from his most recent position as Executive Direc-tor of the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center, Karpin said, “Had we not adopted Woofy [a poodle mix he rescued last year, and named by his two young daughters], I don’t think it would have occurred to me to enter the world of animal welfare. … There is so much more to Woods than meets the eye.”

Since 1955, when Woods Humane Society was founded by its bene-factor and namesake, Frances Newhall Woods, this bright and sunny facility has grown from “just” an animal shelter to a comprehensive animal care community. Having moved into its brand new home in 2006, Woods now has the space to perform the 3,700 spay/neuter and other surgeries they did last year, to give dogs more time each day to run and play outside, to offer supervised programs such as Critter Camp and Pet Visitation, and to give each incoming dog or cat the very best chance possible for adoption.

“That means a thorough evaluation and assessment, ongoing medical care, in some cases obedience training, and of course lots of food, water, and personal interaction,” said Karpin.

Toward that end, Critter Camp is a week-long session held 10 times each summer that pairs one youngster (ages 9 – 12) with one dog for one week. Each camper selects “his/her” dog and works intensively with that dog to improve its social skills and to teach campers the

core concepts of humane education. Critter Camp includes offsite trips to Atascadero Zoo, Cal Poly Dairy Unit, and visits to the shelter from wolves, kangaroos, and birds as well. “It’s much more than just dogs and cats,” said Karpin.

Pet Visitation takes Woods dogs into nursing homes and retirement communities where residents look forward to visiting with their canine pals each week. “It’s good for the dogs, too,” said Karpin. “They get to spend time out of the shelter and become even more comfort-able with people.”

In addition to existing programs, Karpin says there are plenty of chang-es coming up at Woods. “Right now we’re expanding and upgrading each of our seven K9 exercise yards. … We’re also hoping to construct and equip an all new industrial laundry center … And we’re looking at ways to use technology and social media to increase adoptions, to educate the community, and to better match people and their pets.”

Karpin says one of the biggest and most pervasive misperceptions among those who have not yet visited Woods is that shelters are sad, bleak places where animals wait for weeks or months before finding a home. Not so! The average length of stay from intake to adoption is much shorter than most of us imagine.

“This is not a jail!” he adds. And Mikey agrees.

Once the beloved pet of a woman who feared he would be homeless when she died, Mikey came to Woods about a year ago. The tearful family said their mother, now gone, asked that Mikey be euthanized rather than suffer neglect and loneliness. But Woods’ Director of Operations Lee Ann Harms-Hilliard had a better idea. Why not make Mikey the official “office cat?” Today, Mikey is the proud and happy mascot at Woods, insisting on attending all meetings (he meows out-

WOODS HUMANE SOCIETY’S

cory karpin“IT’S SO MUCH MORE THAN A SHELTER”By Susan Stewart

Cory Karpin photo by Colleen Rosenthal

PEOPLE 13

side closed doors until someone lets him in), harassing the turkeys, and challenging the cows in the nearby fields. Mikey writes his own Pet Tail column, and starred in the TV commercial that opened this piece. Karpin says that Mikey’s agent is currently negotiat-ing for more catnip in his contract.

With its wide open spaces—including a huge community room—its many skylights, and a state-of-the-art surgery room with gently resting animals “coming to” under cozy blankets (and the watchful eye of staff veterinarian Dr. Malcolm Riordan), Woods feels more like a luxury spa than a typical animal shelter. Longtime Woods worker, Steve Kragenbrink (Woods’ Community Programs Director) is the creative brain behind many of Woods’ programs and public relations ideas. Among them, the annual Wiggle Waggle Walk for Woods, now in its 19th year.

On Saturday, October 22nd, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., dogs and their humans are invited to Laguna Lake Park in San Luis Obispo to strut their stuff in a fundraiser for Woods. In addition to food and refreshments, by far the most popular draw in the event is the costume contest.

“This year the theme is pirates so I’m sure it’ll be a good one,” said Karpin. “Did I men-tion that the costumes are for the dogs?”

The money raised goes directly to ensuring that the work that found homes for 1100

dogs and cats last year can continue. It takes a staff of 30 – including animal care specialists, veterinarians, medical support staff, and customer service staff to do what Woods does. Contrary to popular percep-tion, Woods is not a small operation, and it’s not funded by the government or by the U.S. Humane Society.

Karpin was quick to add that while the shelter relies on donations for 80% of its op-erating budget, it also relies on Louisa Smith,

President of the Board of Directors (and the architect of the new facility), the other dedi-cated board members, and the hundreds of volunteers who give their time and their love so regularly to the animals at Woods.

October is National Adopt A Shelter Dog Month. So take advice: Come on out to Woods this month and see whether one of the dogs there would like to adopt you. Who knows? You could get Lucky! Or Alex. Or Benny.

O C T O B E R 2011 JournalPLUS

The 2012 models are about to arrive and to make space on our lot we have dramatically discounted all 2011 models on hand. If you are considering a new car

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photo by Tom Meinhold

“The closest the Don had ever come to boasting was that he never ate a mozzarella that was more than 30 minutes old.” (from THE DON by Mario Puzo)

It’s 4:15 a.m. and I’m deep into a dream about a Tuscan farmhouse. My wife and I look out over our acres of sangiovesi grapes and olive trees. Behind us the patio table is set, laden with bounty from our garden and a next-day-air package from San Luis Obispo. Inside the plain, brown box are balls of soft, pliable, white cheese, the best there is. Ironically, we can’t find anything this good in Italy. We await the arrival of our dear friends who’ve come to visit us. We will share our bounty with them. Ah sweet sleep, sweet dreams.

It’s 4:15 a.m in another SLO home and sleep has ended for Lou Tedone, who is up and at ‘em. Dr. Lou, “Lucky Louie,” “Mr. Moz-zarella” sets off for his daily gym workout with some of his buddies. At 88 years young, Lou still works up a sweat, whether it’s there, on the golf course, or the walking trail. There’s no stopping Lou. No one even tries.

Many people in this community know and love Lou Tedone. During his thirty five years as one of our county’s finest pediatricians (and healthiest – in thirty five years as a doctor, Lou only missed one day of work due to illness), Lou knew many parents and their children on a first name basis. I first met Lou in 1979 when he diagnosed my ten-day-old son with a life-threatening medical condition. Immediate surgery was necessary and successful. Thanks to Dr. Lou’s expertise (and Dr. Robert Karger’s steady hands), my son has lived a healthy life. I’m certain there are numerous members of our community who have similar stories about Lou’s skills, his compassion and warm heart.

Maybe you didn’t know that Lou’s parents ran a grocery store and deli in Brooklyn, New York in the early 1900s. At age 17, Lou (and his two

brothers) contributed to the success of the store by learning how to make mozzarella by hand the Old World way. At 6 a.m. most mornings, Lou was in the store’s basement, facing formidable pots of boiling wa-ter ready for the daily supply of cheese. Eventually, his afternoons and evenings were spent in medical school. After completing his pediatric residency in 1951, Lou and his new bride, Grace (DePalo), were trans-ferred to the Central Coast’s Camp Roberts. In 1953, Lou established his new practice in San Luis Obispo. Mozzarella-making was placed on the back burner as Lou and Grace focused on their new life together and the raising of – eventually – nine children.

Today, Lou has many passions: his family, friends, community, love for Cal Poly and youth sports, tennis, golf, fund-raising events...and,

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dr. lou tedoneTHE MOZZARELLA MANBy Bob Huttle

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Bruce and Lucky Louie Tedone

for the past twenty years, fresh mozzarella-making. Some time ago, Lou’s son Bruce walked into a San Luis Obispo High School faculty luncheon with a plate, a paring knife, and what looked like two softballs without the stitching. I was about to experience my first taste of Lucky Louie’s fresh mozzarella. I’ve never recovered from that moment. Here was one of the great gourmet treats in the world, I remember thinking. The mozzarella man had struck and I was addicted.

Every summer vacation from that day forward I badgered Bruce about taking me to witness his father work his magic. I think Bruce finally got tired of my whining and pleading; recently he arranged for us to spend two hours with Lou as he transformed twenty-pound blocks of cheese curd (“I use only fresh ‘Polly-O/Gold from Brooklyn,’” Lou attests emphatically) into balls of fra-grant, warm perfection.

You have to understand something: Making fresh mozzarella is hard labor. I had no idea. I grow fatigued just thinking about Lou’s efforts. He might be 88 but this doesn’t stop him from hefting heavy pots of water to the stove to boil. Or from lifting twenty pound bags of cheese curd to the table and slicing this into small rectangles, which will go into a giant bowl (specifically made in 1947 for this process) that will eventually transform the curd into the mozzarella balls. Lou must plunge his hands into almost-boiling water to stretch the cheese and shape the balls (an aside: Bruce and I offered to help Lou move the heavy pots of water from the sink to the stove after he tells us “when you’re eighty-eight everything is heavy; even a sheet of paper is heavy” but he politely refuses our assistance and does everything by himself because “that’s the right way to do it.”)

Lou is up at 4:15 a.m. Monday-Friday. He makes fresh mozzarella EVERY DAY for 2+ hours. Thanksgiving. Christmas. New Year’s Day. Mondays-Thursdays he usually makes two batches of 14+ balls per batch. On Fridays-Sundays he often completes three batches.

I did the math (I think; I was an English major). Are you ready for this? 238+ balls A WEEK; 12,376+ balls A YEAR. Over the PAST TWENTY YEARS (from ages 68-88) that Lou has been making mozzarella EV-ERY MORNING: 247,520+ balls. What??!! “Amazing” doesn’t cut it. Could this be a Guinness World Record for one-man-mozzarella-making?

I know what you’re thinking; where does all this cheese go and how can I get some?

If you are a good friend of Lou’s or teach with a Tedone (there are a bunch of teacher Tedones), maybe you will get a nibble or two (for me, if Lou gives me a whole ball it’s like King Arthur bestowing the Holy Grail on a humble subject and cause for a day-long celebration). Or you’ll taste some at a fund-raising event. Or you’ll buy a ball at...oh, I can’t tell you where or I’d be plugging a local family deli in Shell Beach (shhh DePalo & Sons). Suffice to say that the Mozzarella Man will be up tomorrow morning while we

are still dreaming...maybe of a fresh, warm, under-thirty-minutes-old thick slice, topped with a just-picked San Marzano tomato, a drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil, a grind of black pepper, and a basil leaf. Is there anything better in all the world? I doubt it. Is there only one Lou Tedone? Yup. The mold was broken 88 years ago.

You can contact Bob at rhuttle@charter.net. He might be eating but he’ll get back to you when he’s finished. Bon appetite!

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JulIus achOn and the Central Coast first connected

earlier this year. I heard him speak about the plight of his people and the ways he is trying to make a difference to lessen their misery, as starvation and death are rampant in his native village in northern Uganda. His compelling biography is one of tragedy and bravery, faith and inspiration.

It is clear that pivotal incidents inspired Julius not only to run for his life, but for the lives of others. Unable to afford an education Ju-lius took the initiative to compete in races as a youngster to pay for schooling because his desire to learn was so strong. Julius’ mother did not take her fledgling teen’s intentions seriously when he said he was going to the capital city 42 miles away, a place he had never been, to enter in the 800m, 1000m and 1500m races. Too poor to buy food, he nourished himself by sucking on sugar cane. Running

barefoot, he was not only in time to compete, but won all three races. His talent and undoubtedly his determination were noticed. He was taken in by an unknown family and given a place to rest. The experiences were no doubt the cornerstone of this future Olympian and humanitarian.

I visited him and his family this summer when he ran the Bowerman Run in Portland, Oregon. Some 700 runners met on Ronaldo Fields on Nike World Campus to raise funds for Achon Uganda Children’s Fund founded by Julius Achon. Fellow Olympians Daniel Lincoln, Amy Yodar Begley, Matthew Tegenkam and Dathan Ritzenheim came in support. Sponsored by Nike, the run raised funds for and aware-ness of Achon Uganda Children’s Fund that brings basic necessities to his native village of 84,000 where, without healthcare, a woman dying during childbirth is prevalent, water is not easily accessible and starvation is raging.

Julius describes himself as a boy soldier, Olympian, humanitarian. He was kidnapped and forced to be a boy soldier; bravely running under fire 100 miles in three days to safety. Wearing his first pair of shoes, at 17 he won the World Junior Championship in Portugal. As team captain Julius carried the Ugandan flag in the Olympics and captured the title of NCAA world’s fastest runner of the 800m; a record that still stands. He also competed in the 2000 Olympics.

Coming to America his eyes were opened in a new way and he began to ask himself why his village could not have the basic necessities of life he enjoyed here. He resolved to work towards providing them.

On a trip back to Uganda in 2003 Julius found 11 orphans living un-derneath a bus. Deeply moved he took them to his father’s small hut. Presently Julius provides housing, schooling and clothing for at least 30 orphans while he and his wife Grace raise their first child, a son, with a name that means thankful.

Preparing to compete in the 2004 Olympics, he received word that his mother had been shot; without needed medical help she bled to death. Grief stricken, Julius could not compete, but began dreaming of building the Kristina Achon Medical Clinic. Julius has been forging connections and that dream is coming true. The clinic will not only bring life saving medical care, but is employing villagers and teaching skills they can use to improve their own lives as stipulated by this wise young humanitarian.

Julius Achon ignites faith in humanity. He is a man of deep faith and big dreams. His genuine moral fiber shines through. With humility he readily thanks God for his gifts and seeks courage and strength. His is a testament to how one person makes a difference.

Julius’ first trip to the Central Coast forged friendships as well as a partnership with Lifewater International. Finding a way to bring life giving water to his people is coming true.

The Kristina Achon Medical Clinic is nearing completion, but the necessary funds to do so are still pending. Certainly his life has included tragedy, but Julius has bravely transformed his tragic experi-ences to do good, as he works tirelessly to save lives and improve liv-ing conditions of the Ugandan village he came from a continent away in miles, but are never far from his heart.

Julius Achon will reconnect with the Central Coast as the guest speak-er at the Paso Robles Harvest Marathon on October 16. Interested parties can contact Julie Opheim at 1-877-264-6979, write to P.O. Box 1796 Paso Robles, CA 93447 or email PasoMarathon@yahoo.com.

OLYMPIAN

JuliuS acHonCONNECTING WITH THE CENTRAL COAST By Marilyn Darnell

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a cOuple Of frIends whO recently mOved tO San Luis Obispo from Tulare County asked me if I knew of a book club they could join. That surprised me. With so

many options to explore in your new hometown, why look for an organization that offers you something you can do on your own? What’s the point?

“The point is in meeting people,” says Sharon Schulte, who belongs to the book club at the Paso Robles County Library. Book clubs are as different as the people who attend them, and they often become the first stop in a search for a more stimulating social life. “I have six children,” Sharon says, “and the book club gives me an opportunity to see people other than parents of my children’s friends, and to talk about things other than parenting.”

“Besides, sometimes you come across a book you’re just dying to share with others,” adds Marianna Hargrave, a business owner, who started her own club after coming across a book about a child with Down syndrome. “It really moved me, and I wanted all the other parents to read it.”

In the case of dental hygienist Kim Solis it was the opposite: “I joined the club because I didn’t like the book!” Kim explains. “I just wanted to see what is it that I missed. I still don’t like the book, but I got sucked into staying in the club by the next one.”

Kim’s friend and colleague Sharri Van Blargen, who’s been running her own book club for about a year, is also an avid reader. And having a group of people to discuss her books with added an unexpected thrill to the whole experience: Even though most of her club mem-bers happen to be parents of the kids at Templeton High, which her daughter also attends, they love their escapes from the daily routine. “We still talk about kids – we just cannot help it! – but we really enjoy focusing on the thoughts and ideas that the books conjure up, and discovering others’ points of view,” Sharri says.

And that – different points of view – you’re guaranteed to find in book clubs. While most clubs are still sticking to the golden rule of

not discussing politics and religion, their membership tends to be pretty diverse. After all, every library card-holder can attend the library’s book clubs’ meetings. Even private clubs, which can be more selective about their membership, usually look for a pleasant per-sonality first and philosophical and political affiliations second. “The fact that our club joined people with different ideas about almost anything didn’t interfere with our book discussions. On the contrary, it made them more exciting,” Marianna Hargrave insists.

Many readers cite the discovery of new books as the most appealing thing about being in a club. “I am reading books that I never would’ve read otherwise; that’s what I like the most,” says sales assistant Meghan Predmore, expressing a sentiment shared by many.

Some of the clubs – like those at the County Libraries and at the Ken-nedy Fitness Center – are carefully structured and run by an appointed moderator; the others alternate the role of the hosts (or, more often than not, hostesses) and rely on the rules formulated by their own members.

While many clubs go by a word of mouth, TV and Internet lists in making their reading choices, others allow the hostess or coordinator to pick the book for the upcoming meeting.

The cost differs too. The library-based clubs restrict their reading selection to the books already available through the library, with San Luis Obispo Friends of the Library going as far as offering pre-packed kits, containing ten paperback copies of a title. Kennedy Fitness Center has a coordinator who buys the books, while other clubs use a combination of different resources.

“Non-institutional” clubs, even when their members work together, often meet outside of their offices, in the relaxed environment of cof-fee shops, bars or their members’ homes.

“I always look forward to spending a pleasant evening in the company of smart women,” Sharri Van Blargen says; “Everyone is expected to come prepared to talk and ask questions.”

Group book debates, which go back to the centuries-old tradition of professional gatherings, Bible studies and women’s cultural clubs, have become exceptionally popular in the last decade. Their role in creat-ing stronger communities, sustaining collective memory, generating knowledge, and promoting open-mindedness have been recognized and praised by historians, sociologists – and of course authors.

But even with an evident hunger for social and cultural connection that the proliferation of the reading groups demonstrates, keeping a club going isn’t always as easy as it might seem.

bookS and moreBOOK CLUBS OF THE CENTRAL COASTBy Natasha Dalton

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O C T O B E R 2011 JournalPLUS

The club that Marianna Hargrave started with a group of fellow parents eventually dissolved. “It was easy to start,” Marianna recalls; “and we all enjoyed it. But elementary school par-enting is very involved. People began skipping meetings; or they wouldn’t read the book. We switched to getting together every other month and lost the momentum as a result.”

At the same time, there’re clubs in the area that have been around for years. Take The Bad Girls of Paso Robles, for example. The club started in 1993 as a reading group of the employees of the Paso Robles school district, and many of its twelve members have been dutifully attending their monthly meetings.

The club’s fearless leader, Kathy Myers, attributes the longevity of her club to the fact that all of its members feel comfortable expressing their opinions. “We have a rule that doesn’t allow statements like ‘It’s an aw-ful book,’ or ‘This author’s style is boring,’” she says. “Being a teacher, I always remind my students to preface their opinions with phrases like ‘I think,’ or ‘I feel.’ Same with the club; because the words “I think that the book isn’t interesting” are less likely to intimidate or embarrass a person who hap-pened to really like it.”

The Bad Girls believe that they have the optimal number of people in their club. With twelve of them, everyone gets to play hostess once a year; besides, “many more people in the room might make personal connection more difficult,” Kathy says. But other clubs don’t mind expansion. Even in this age of instant messaging, ads from recently-formed clubs with an invitation to join them for a leisurely evening of book debates are still easy to find. And although Literature and Language Arts professors may shake their heads at some of the titles that make the national bestsellers’ lists, the truth that read-ing brings an opportunity for socializing in a more meaningful way is hard to deny.

Often, what starts as a club has a potential to grow into a real friendship, and book club members begin to attend movies and con-certs together, and exchange presents during the holidays. Mary Eister, a retired teacher and a writer from Arroyo Grande, loves her book club precisely because it’s “more social than erudite.” “There’re thirteen in our group and excellent attendance,” she says. “Though we are very selective of our books, the meet-ings always include wine or dinner by the host and other volunteers,” she adds.

Tiffany Shlain, director of the documentary Connected, likes to evoke an episode from Einstein’s life, when he, responding to a request by an interviewer for his phone num-ber, walked to the phone book to look it up. Questioned by the puzzled reporter about the reasons for such seemingly silly behavior (not knowing your own phone number, how dumb is that?!), Einstein answered casually that he didn’t see the need for filling his mind with superfluous data; it was enough for him to know where he could find it, if needed.

And here is the crux of the matter. Like it or not, but we live in a time when the simple transfer of information from one person to another cannot pass for “education” any more. It’s important to know the facts. It’s even more important to know how to verify, analyze and put them into a bigger context. While the school system as a whole seems to be hopelessly stuck in an outdated informa-tional paradigm, our book clubs are getting pretty astute in assuming the role of new educators. You just have to find the club that is right for you.

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BegInnIng sunday afternOOn, OctOBer 2 through Sunday afternoon on October 9, 2011, San Luis Obispo County will be the destination for outdoor painters.

They will set up their easels and pull out their brushes to document the landscape, seascapes and towns of the Central Coast. From the vistas of Montana de Oro, to the foggy Back Bay; from the North County vineyards’ golden harvest to the quaint store fronts in Arroyo Grande, residents and visitors will see plein air painters with their moveable easels and sunhats dotting the scene. Fifty award-winning, nationally recognized artists will gather from all over the country, providing the focus for a week of exhibits, poetry, films and art related activities appealing to people of all ages.

The 10th Annual San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival hosted by the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art is the week-long celebration of our Central Coast’s beauty. The Museum is festival headquarters for information, maps, and a chance to view one representative artwork by each artist showcasing their colorful palettes and diverse styles. During the week while the artists are painting, Festival goers can hunt for their favorite artists throughout the county by following the artists to scenic places and hidden vistas, sneaking a peek at them painting live.

On Friday afternoon, the week reaches an apex with an exclusive Col-lector’s Luncheon giving a select few ticket holders a first look to view and purchase the best 150 paintings completed during the painting marathon. The Best of Show winner will be announced by this year’s juror, Elizabeth Tolley. Ms. Tolley is a Juried Artist Member of the California Art Club, a signature member of Oil Painters of America, the National Watercolor Society, and Alla Prima International. She has been featured in over 25 articles in international art magazines including, The Artist (UK), Southwest Art, Plein Air Magazine, The Artist’s Magazine, and International Artist Magazine. Ms. Tolley’s paintings have graced three art magazine covers.

Later that evening, during Art After Dark, from 6–9 pm, the public will have a chance to view the week’s bounty, vote for their favorite and buy the paintings right off the wall. On Saturday, October 8, the downtown becomes a magical gathering for the exciting “Quick Draw,” a timed paint out in the blocks around the Mission Plaza and Museum that concludes with a promenade of still wet artwork and live auction of the masterfully completed paintings.

The San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival is the most impressive visual art event of the Central Coast and attracts art enthusiasts and collec-tors nationally. For a detailed list of activities, times and locations, as

10tH annual Slo plein air art feStivalBy Muara Johnston

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well as links to the nationally acclaimed art-ists who are gathering for this year’s festival visit SLOMA.org.

Among the artists participating in this year’s event include newcomers Sunny Apinchapong, Glendale, CA; Michele Byrne, Reading, PA; Lynn Mehta, Alexandria, VA, and Hai-ou Hou, Stevensville, MD. Some of the returning artists are Steve Kell, Laguna Niguel, CA; Tom Soltesz, Muir Beach, CA, Ken DeWaard, Viroqua, WI; Kevin Davidson, Orange, CA; Robert Gantt Steele, Larkspur, CA, Carolyn Lord, Livermore, CA; Bryan Mark Taylor, Lafayette, CA; Ed Terpening, San Francisco, CA; and Jon Francis, Stinson Beach, CA. Local artists selected are: Dotty

Hawthorne, Ken Christiansen, Shirley Pitt-man, Larry Kappen, and John Barnard.

WHat iS plein air? Plein Air (pronounced pleyn air) comes from the French term “en plein air,” meaning “in the open air.” It is a style of creating art outdoors in the moment, primarily from nature. A true plein air painting is done on location and is valued for its sense of spontaneity. Artists must quickly and deftly capture the essence of a moment using the light or shadow on a sub-ject. It is a style that requires diligent training

and demands an awareness of time, color, light, temperature, atmosphere and emotion. Plein Air paintings can be in any medium, including, oil, acrylic, pastel and watercolor. It can be created on any kind of paper or canvas and can be any style of painting.

The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art is a non-profit organization dedicated to promot-ing and exhibiting the visual arts. Located at 1010 Broad Street, on the west end of Mission Plaza. Hours are 11 – 5 daily. Closed Tues-days. Free admission, donations appreciated.

Major SponsorsKSBYPacific Gas & Electric CompanyThe Mortgage HouseThe Spice HunterThe TribuneUS AgriseedsWomen for Community

Media PartnersCharter CommunicationsJournal PlusNew TimesTolosa Press

Hospitality Vendors3C Wine CompanyCayucos Fine MeatsCentral Coast BrewingCowboy Cookie N’ GrubFirestone Walker Brewing CompanyGus’s GroceryHouse of Breadiii DesignOld San Luis BBQ CompanyPacific Beverage CompanyPalmina Wines & Foley Family WinesRasmussen VineyardsThe Sanctuary Tobacco Shop

Tee SponsorsBlue Rooster TelecomComfort Inn & Suites LamplighterEl Colibri Boutique Hotel & SpaFoley Family Wines (Firestone Vineyard)

Jeffrey D. Stulberg A Law CorporationLuna RusticaMeathead MoversMorris & GarritanoPatterson RealtyRRM Design GroupSan Luis Oral Surgery & Dental Implant CenterVan Beurden Insurance Services

In Kind Donors & SupportersAdam JanetteAdelaida CellarsAshleigh AndersonAvila Beach Golf ResortBMW of Santa MariaBaileyana WineryBlack Hand CellarsBorah’s AwardsBrown Butter Cookie CompanyCrooked Stake Vineyard & OrchardCrushed GrapeDEL OzoneDepartment of Alcoholic Beverage ControlFrame WorksGolfland WarehouseHouse of Tree YogaJ. CarrollLance Kinney PhotographyLeonard CohenMission Community BankNorton Sign & DesignNicole Pazdan, Elder Placement ProfessionalsNiner Wine EstatesPaso AlmondsPopolo Rotisserie Café & CateringPromotions PlusSeaCrest OceanFront Hotel

Sierra Vista Regional Medical CenterStephen Ross Wine CellarsSunset Inn Bed & BreakfastWhizbang Ideas

Committee MembersBarbara HekiChar StorlieDena BellmanKerry Ann MooreLance Parker, ChairRolf StorlieTara Contino Women for CommunityCheryl CumingKaren WoodlingKris YetterLizAnn EngelhardPatty CarpenterShannon MerrillTami Carija

www.unitedwayslo.orgWe would like to thank our event volunteers, golfers and wine donors for their support of the 8th Annual Hit & Giggle Golf Tournament benefitting United Way of San Luis Obispo County.

Janna nIchOls Isn’t necessarIly known around San Luis Obispo County as a photographer or an artist.

She has instead built a reputation as a community leader, heading up United Way of SLO County at one time and continuing to work with other health and human service organizations.

But Peggy Mesler of The Photo Shop knows good photography when she sees it, and last year she asked Nichols to consider putting together an exhibit of some of her most col-orful work. The result is “Telling Tales: Col-

ors of Peru,” opening October 14 at Mesler’s shop in downtown San Luis Obispo.

Nichols has been recording the world around her in photographs ever since she took a camera with her to Guatemala while still in high school. “My photos even then were of the people I saw,” she says. “Life is of interest to me, not scenery, not buildings. My heart goes to people and wildlife. And the most compelling stories are from their everyday lives.”

Her study in Guatemala also sparked a life-long interest in travel, a fitting complement to her interest in photography. “I grew up on a farm in a very small town in Oregon,” Nichols says. “I went to Central America in high school not speaking Spanish. That forced me to hone my skills of perception and open my eyes to a world quite foreign to me. It gave me a respect for people no matter their circum-stances. Some of the happiest people I have known have come from the simplest of means.”

She continued to discover the kindness, vibrancy and resil-ience of people while studying in Mexico and Costa Rica in college, and years later while working in Central America and Mexico.

Just after college Nichols had the opportu-nity to develop her interest in photography. Working at The Oregonian newspaper in Portland, a photographer took her under his wing. “He shared with me the idea that photographers need to tell a stories in their work,” she says.

Nichols relates how she was assigned one day to cover a fatal shooting that occurred dur-ing an altercation between two men. Both the slain man and his assailant were young fathers. “I focused on two shots: the first was of the widow of the slain man, with her newborn in her arms, learning her husband’s fate. The second was of the suspect [in the custody of the police] and his wife, with their newborn in her arms. There were tragic tales in those two photos.”

Faces – young, old, hopeful, perplexed and perplexing – are the focus of the 18 photo-graphs Nichols chose for this show from a recent trip to Peru. “I think my photos are a reflection of people’s lives and their resil-ience in spite of their circumstances.”

Having taken photos in places as diverse as Mexico, China, Niger and Peru, what’s next? “You don’t get travel out of your system,” she says. “And photography is a matter of opportunity and shooting what you are pas-sionate about.”

Photography by Janna Nichols, “Telling Tales: Colors of Peru,” can be seen October 14 through November 14 at The Photo Shop, 1027B Marsh Street in downtown San Luis Obispo. Hours are Monday through Friday 10-6 and Saturday 10-5.

telling taleS: colorS of peru JANNA NICHOLS PHOTO EXHIBITBy Charlotte Alexander

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We’re Here for Cal Poly Athletics

And We’re Here for You...

French Hospital is the Preferred Choice of Cal Poly Athletics

Go Mustangs!

French Hospital Medical Center1911 Johnson AvenueSan Luis Obispo, CA 93401(805) 543-5353frenchmedicalcenter.org

Arroyo Grande Community Hospital345 South Halcyon RoadArroyo Grande, CA 93420(805) 489-4261arroyograndehospital.org

Marian Medical Center1400 East Church StreetSanta Maria, CA 93454(805) 739-3000marianmedicalcenter.org

as we rOll IntO OctOBer On the central Coast it is hard to ignore the shift in weather (and daylight) as well as a shift in our food cravings of what sounds

appetizing. The inherent shift from summer fruit cravings to warming foods such as casseroles, stews, and soups becomes evident in the produce choices at the market. It must be part of Mother Nature’s master plan as we are rarely tempted to make soups and stews out of things that taste better in their respective fresh (raw) formats. Fall’s root vegetables for example, lend themselves to being roasted with longer, slower cooking which allows their natural buttery-ness to come out, all while conveniently warming the house in the process. Without question it becomes obvious why soup sales decrease during summer months and ramp up once the weather cools off. We naturally crave foods that cool us in Summer months and warm us in Winter months. In October, we are lucky to have so many options

as well as watching local apples progress from variety to variety as the weather changes, and an influx of avocados, broccoli, brussels sprouts, butternut squash, cabbage, onions, pears, potatoes, and…pumpkins! Seek out the amazing varieties of edible (not just decorative) pumpkins. We are lucky to have so many options to choose from.

As October begins to cool us down, it seemed a good idea to have a recipe in the comfort food category to warm us up. Few things top

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at tHe marketROAST PUMPKIN SOUP WITH SAGE AND ROSEMARYBy Sarah Hedger

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ROAST PUMPKIN SOUP WITH SAGE AND ROSEMARYfor tHe roaSt pumpkin (or butternut SQuaSH): Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking dish or sheet with foil or baking paper. Cut pumpkin in half horizontally, remove seeds and place on baking sheet, preferable skin side up. Roast for 1 hour or until pumpkin is soft, golden (it is fine if the skin is a little charred looking as well). Remove from oven and when cool enough to handle, scoop pulp from skin. Wasn’t that easier than skinning and cutting an entire pumpkin/squash and risking the livelihood of your fingers?

for tHe Soup: 3-4 Tablespoons of olive oil 2 good bunches of sage, leaves removed and stems discarded/composted 1 onion, chopped 2 carrots, diced 4 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed (one process if you use the side of a good knife) 2 twigs of rosemary, leaves removed 2 bay leaves 2 tsp sea salt 1/2 tsp ground white pepper 1 large (2lb) eating pumpkin or butternut squash, roasted and pulp removed from skin 8 cups of water, preferably preheated in a kettle but not mandatory

In large soup pan or stock pot (the heavier the better), heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add sage and fry for 3-5 minutes until it is crisp and just beginning to golden. Sprinkle with a little sea salt and remove half the sage and set aside on a paper towel to use later for serving. Returning to the pot and remaining sage, add onion, carrots, garlic, rosemary, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Cook for 10-15 minutes until cooked and beginning to brown. Add roasted pumpkin and give a good stir. Add water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour. Remove bay leaves and puree with an immersion blender. Return bay leaves and simmer for 15-20 minutes until velvety consistency and remove from heat. You now will have a lovely batch of buttery smooth roast pumpkin soup! Serve with reserved fried sage. Enjoy!

Serves 6

*Feel free to email me at sarahhedger@gmail.com if you have any food-related questions and find this recipe (as well as other versions) at www.seasonalalchemist.com

my list in the comfort food category than a good soup with some fresh, hot bread to go alongside. This month’s recipe, Roast Pump-kin Soup with Sage and Rosemary, is hands down, one of my go-to’s for warmth and comfort, all while being simple enough to make in under an hour (and with very few ingredients). It really comes back to how the best meals really are the simple ones using the freshest, local ingredients. This soup is seasonal and simple cooking at its best, while being delicious and nourishing (vegan and gluten free) at the same time. In coming up with this recipe, it all started with wanting a seasonal, warming soup that was easy to prepare. I also seem to have a mild obsession with the convenience of roasting things that are difficult to peel, such as butternut squash, pumpkins, and random shaped winter squashes (and the like). One day I threw the whole (literally) pumpkin in the oven because I didn’t want to bother cutting it in half (it works great but not highly recommended as hot whole pumpkins are not the easiest to handle). These days, I cut the squash or pumpkin in half horizontally, scoop out the seeds, and put it face down in the oven until it is soft. The skin gets a bit dark and the flesh a bit buttery and it is ready to be used for every-thing from pumpkin soup to using the pumpkin puree for pumpkin bread (and cookies). Thus, I find myself following in my dad’s shoes and making soup when most people are eating breakfast (try it – it makes the house smell amazing). It’s an easy recipe…the bulk of the time is the roasting time for the pumpkin. Beats the heck out of peeling and chopping up a pumpkin any day! Enjoy the simplicity…

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O C T O B E R 2011 JournalPLUS

alOng the central cOast and across the state, arts organizations of all kinds are

feeling the financial stress of the three-year recession. Those with good governance, committed boards and a flexible administration have met the economic challenges, repurposed, and are moving ahead – often with renewed missions and updated strategic plans. Many, however, are simply content to ride out the storm, while others flounder or go “dormant;” a few have disappeared. With shrinking resources, hard times can prompt personnel changes in the staff or executive director, or a re-shuffling of the board of directors.

I experience this first hand, as I sit on the board of directors of ARTS Obispo, the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council, and I have seen three of my colleagues depart recently, either because their terms ended or by resignation. The biggest change, how-ever, came last Spring when Marta Peluso, after serving five noteworthy years as AO’s Executive Director, gave notice she was leaving. Our loss was tempered by her valu-able legacy upon which her successor and the AO board is building: the Poetry Out Loud program for local high schools; the establishment of the ARTS Space Obispo gallery in “The Creamery” in downtown SLO for exhibits, lectures, workshops and performances; and the Open Studios Art

Tour, the largest public access art program in the county. (Marta continues to serve the county’s arts and artists via AO’s committee for the annual Ruth Fash Memorial Lec-tures and teaching art at Cuesta College.)

Slo county art SceneTHE SLO ARTS COUNCIL IN TRANSITIONBy Gordon Fuglie

COMMUNITY26

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Filling a vacancy at the executive level is one of the greatest chal-lenges facing any arts organization. Over the summer the AO Board of Directors initiated a search. After carefully considering three finalists, we were unanimous in our selection of Charlotte Alexander as the next ED of the SLO County Arts Council, and were delighted when she accepted our call. Charlotte started September 1, hitting the ground running, making a thorough round of introductions to private and public organizations, business, civic and county leaders, as well as media, in her first week.

A resident of the South County, Charlotte shares the AO board’s com-mitment to advancing the arts throughout our far flung territory, from San Simeon south to Nipomo, and from Morro Bay east to Shandon. In college she earned an MBA in Public Service while working as an accountant (This didn’t escape the search committee’s attention!), and studied communications with an emphasis in theatre. This interest continues in her reviews of county theatrical productions. In addition, Charlotte served as co-director with her husband David Congalton of the Cuesta College Writers’ Conference from 1994 – 2005.

Her wide range of institutional and administrative experience was of particular interest to the board. These include her position on the governing board of the SLO County Community College District, her past service as ED of United Way of San Luis Obispo County, and Director of Public Affairs at Cuesta College, to name a few of her posi-tions. As a volunteer, Charlotte has served as president of the board of directors for the North County Humane Society and the Central Coast Natural History Association. Her twenty years serving the pub-lic interest makes her a solid choice for the SLO County Arts Council as we re-think and strategize new directions for the arts in our county.

When I interviewed her for this article, Charlotte graciously reminded me of the primary authority of non-profit governing boards for the stewardship of their organization, i.e. we are the ED’s boss. This also means setting policies for AO and evaluating the ED’s performance, enabling her/him to succeed by providing good governance and guid-ance – and the freedom for her/him to carry out the organization’s mission. Humbling and sobering. (By contrast some EDs perpetuate themselves for many years by securing compliant or subjugated boards that merely rubber-stamp the ED’s efforts, a personalizing of executive power at the expense of developing good institutional practices.) Charlotte also impressed me with her confidence, borne of years of experience in public service. Such an ED reassures a board, which must resist the temptation to meddle in day-to-day operations or second-guess the executive. Moreover, Charlotte also believes that moving ahead during troubled times for the arts means serving as an implementer and facilitator, creating opportunities for county art leaders to emerge and do their best work and, as she says, “stand in the spotlight.” This is key to producing inter-organization collaboration, a growing practice that helps arts organizations maximize limited resources. An ED who is not threatened by the expertise of others has a serenity that can nurture broad leadership in the arts.

We in the SLO County arts community believe that supporting hu-man creativity doesn’t just benefit artists and their patrons, but also makes for a healthy society and a stronger local economy. I invite your support of the new Executive Director of the SLO County Arts Council and its dedicated staff. Your good ideas and efforts for the arts in our communities are welcome at the table.

ARTS Obispo/San Luis Obispo County Arts Council, “The Creamery,” 570 Higuera St., SLO, 93406. 805-544-9251, director@artsobispo.org; www.artsobispo.org.

O C T O B E R 2011 JournalPLUS

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On august 21, 2011, a grOup Of central cOast residents got together to celebrate the 61st anniversary, marking a time when 90 men from San Luis Obispo county

were called up for the Korean “war.” At the time it was called a police action. They were the 161st Ordnance Depot Company, the first National Guard unit to be called. They were commanded by Lieutenant Robert P. Nimmo, who after discharge entered politics as a local assemblyman and later state senator. President Reagan appointed Nimmo as head of the Veterans Administration.

The 161st included ten sets of brothers in their group. The brothers were The Germans, Blairs, Armstrongs, Herreras, O’Hagans, Mor-rises, Delgados, Neals, Marcums and Silvas. Two brothers, Richard and John Delgado, attended the reunion at the Rowan home in San Luis Obispo. It was an evening of remembering those times at Camp San Luis Obispo, Camp Cooke (now Vandenberg), and Korea. Louis Silva, whose brother Joseph passed away several years ago, had an excellent video at the reunion in connection with his combat experi-ence. There were pictures of most of the individuals in the Company at that time. Out of the 90 men called up, most of them have passed to their reward.

Senator Blakeslee and Assemblyman Achadjian awarded certifi-cates to the remaining members of the Company, recognizing them for their service. The photo is of six members showing their certificates. Left to right are: Sergeant Louis Silva, whose brother Joseph was a member but has passed on, Sergeant Rex Montgom-ery, Corporal Frank Rowan, Corporal Tony Herrera, Sergeant John Delgado and PFC Richard Delgado. Also invited were Corporal Wallace Powell, Sergeant James Neal and Corporal George Mat-tocks. They were not able to attend but received certificates from the legislators as well.

vetS voice61ST REUNION OF THE 161STORDNANCE DEPOT COMPANYBy Frank Rowan

O C T O B E R 2011 JournalPLUS

a hundred years agO, a yOung man and wOman fled the violence and terror of their native Mexico—then in the throes of a bloody revolution—for the relative safety

and promise of America. They walked, ran, and swam, eventually finding respite at a day laborers’ camp near Morris, Illinois. Here, Benito and Juanita, met and fell in love. They married and had nine children, six of whom survived to adulthood. Fifty years later, “Ben” and “Jen” Ortiz would return to their home country with their son, Dr. Phil Ortiz, to witness the phenomenon of I Care International, the nonprofit Phil founded to offer vision and hearing help to hundreds of people in need.

Though he’d been visiting third world countries since 1977 with a group called VOSH (Volunteer Optometric Service to Humanity), Phil Ortiz obtained nonprofit status for I Care International in 1989—the result of a partnership between himself and Dr. Chuck Cools—in order to do more than just fit people for eyeglasses. In a private practice spanning three decades, Ortiz said he noticed that his older patients needed hearing help as well as vision care, “So I got a license and added a hearing aid center during the last ten years of my practice.”

Today, I Care makes an average of five trips each year to locations in Mexico, Central and South America, two U.S. Indian Reservations, and three U.S. states – Arizona, Florida, and Illinois. Its goal is to

“help others improve their quality of life by providing the gift of better vision and health,” says their website: www.icareinternational.org.

“From the little boy who smiles because now he sees clouds in the sky, to the older lady who cries because now she can sew and have an income, I Care International is changing lives one by one.”

Now retired from his regular practice, Ortiz divides his time be-tween Morris, Illinois and Avila Beach, California, where he owns a

second home. A chance meeting with Lance Kinney led to a strong fundraising presence on the West Coast and bolstered I Care’s ability to help more people more often. As Kinney tells it, he met Ortiz while helping him with a remodel of his Avila Beach home.

“Phil threw an old, beat-up brochure at me and I donated.” The more Kinney heard, the more curious he became and he asked Ortiz if he could go on his next trip.

“What I saw and what I experienced during that trip changed how I saw the world,” said Kinney. “People were so impoverished, so needy.

… Phil would dig into his own pockets to give money to people so they could get to a doctor. I thought, ‘That’s admirable, but he shouldn’t be doing this. He’s a one-man band.’”

i care internationalCHANGING LIVES, ONE PAIR OF GLASSES AT A TIME By Susan Stewart

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Though a building contractor by trade, Kinney’s first love is photogra-phy and he began chronicling I Care’s trips in photos. He also helped organize the nonprofit’s first fundraiser, an event held at the Avila Bay Club that is now in its eighth consecutive year. The money raised goes mostly toward instruments and travel.

“Often there’s no electricity, and we have to be very portable,” Kinney explained. “The money helps I Care to help more people … and stops Phil from shelling out his own money. He didn’t see that as a problem, but I did.”

The local fundraising effort also generates volunteers and encourages donations of eye glasses. “A typical I Care team will provide vision services for four days or more, examining as many as 500 people a day by conducting acuity tests, eye exams, and fitting prescription eyeglasses,” says the website. “A library of at least 10,000 new and used eyeglasses is needed for each mission.”

A cadre of local volunteers, led by locals Klaus Schuman and Jay Adams, sorts and cleans thousands of glasses daily in preparation for the next trip. Donated hearing aids get sent to Starkey Labs who gives I Care credit to buy new ones for their trips. With results so immedi-ate, and a need so endless, the work of I Care International generates contagious enthusiasm. Enter Charlene Rosales.

Rosales, who is COO of United Way of San Luis Obispo County, was attending a conference in Cambria when, afterwards, she happened upon Lance Kinney’s photographic display of a recent I Care mission.

“I was so moved by these photographs,” she said, thinking, “I want to do this, too!” Rosales has volunteered on three trips so far, screening patients and escorting them to the next station.

“I love helping select glasses for people because not only do they have to be the right prescription,” she said, “but they also have to look good on them or they won’t wear them.”

Rosales also helped with public relations for I Care, including a new brochure created and donated by a collaborative effort from iii Design and Verdin Marketing in 2006.

Moving personal stories from the doctors, students, and lay volun-teers who make these trips on a regular basis can be read on the web-site. Like the 9-year-old boy that student optometrist Katie Robinson recently wrote about in her blog. This boy had crossed eyes and the

“turned” eye was beginning to develop into a potentially permanent “lazy eye.” While Robinson was explaining to the boy’s mother that the best she could do was patch the good eye to train the bad one to work harder and regain function, and that one of them would probably always be worse – she noticed that the laziness (called amblyopia) was alternating between eyes. So she took a second set of acuities and conducted a trial frame refraction. “Once I put in the correct prescription, his eyes straightened!” Robinson wrote. “All this time, the boy only needed a set of glasses.” Soon after, this young man received a pair of glasses with the exact prescription he needs to have normal vision for life.

Uplifting stories are sometimes offset by the heart-breaking reality that there are many, many patients I Care cannot help. Hundreds of people travel many miles to clinics set up in places like Xoxocotlan in Oaxaca, Mexico, where 95% live below poverty. “The line of patients is constant,” wrote Robinson. “We had to turn 100 people away today. All we can hope is that they will come back tomorrow.”

“The vacuum is still huge,” said Lance Kinney. “Volunteers come back feeling they didn’t do enough. … If you really want to help, you have

to empower people. The goal is get more people behind this so that eventually we can establish clinics with trained locals to run them on their own.”

While I Care does offer scholarships for student optometrists who wish to go on these trips, most volunteers pay their own way. But even if you can’t afford the trip, there are plenty of other ways to help this flourishing nonprofit. Donate old eye glasses and hearing aids to Lance Kinney by calling him at 805.788.0423 or visit the website and donate online. Handily, October 22nd is Make a Difference Day in SLO County. This collaboration between Cal Poly and United Way gives anyone the chance to give a day or part of a day to donate time to the nonprofit of their choice. You can choose I Care International and join the team, for a day at least, that restores vision and hearing for thousands every year.

Dr. Phil Ortiz, himself the son of Mexican immigrants, is grateful for the education he received when his parents came to America a cen-tury ago. He co-founded I Care International (Dr. Cools has passed away) to bring the gift not only of better vision and hearing to those less fortunate, but also an improved view of humanity to those who participate. “We get paid by the gratitude,” he said.

Since 1989, I Care International has helped more than 200,000 eye patients and 10,000 hearing patients during 66 trips to a dozen countries worldwide. These are just a few of the photographs taken by Lance Kinney.

O C T O B E R 2011 JournalPLUS

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One Of the greatest changes In u.s. hIstOry was the enactment of the 19th amendment. It took generations of women’s suffrage supporters who lectured,

wrote, marched, lobbied, petitioned, picketed and organized to achieve this victory. The story of activism for women’s voting rights is filled with chapters of ingenious strategies and outrageous tactics that were used to outwit the opposition.

One ingenious strategy that facilitated victory was the formation and usage of women’s clubs. The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) became the first national women’s organization in 1890. Soon after, in January, 1900, the California Federation of Women’s Clubs (CFWC) was founded. It was an easy task to unite California women’s clubs as the timing was ideal due to the women’s suffrage ac-

tivists who were preparing to battle for their voting rights. Thousands of united California club women were welcomed on the front lines. The 1902 Federation motto said it all: “Strength United is Stronger.”

Years later, in Sept, 1924, that motto was again put into motion by Grace Barneberg. She was a member of a prominent family in San Luis Obispo and belonged to a local Book Club. She wrote to a CFWC board member, Mrs. Lorbeer, regarding the possibility of organizing a new club. Lorbeer responded that she was glad of the enthusiasm to organize and if the Book club could not resolve itself into the desired new club, then maybe it should take the initiative and include another organization, the Home Cultural club, and through unity they might succeed. Following the suffrage victory, Home Culture clubs were organized throughout the state to carry on positive advocacy for women’s betterment.

The advice was heeded and on November 17, 1924, members of the Book club and a Home Culture club were invited to the home of Louise Kirkland. The goal was to create a new organization and it was agreed that all 26 members of both clubs would be listed as charter members. Louise Kirkland was appointed to the leading role of Chairman/President (without a Constitution they could not hold an official election until such was adopted a few months later).

Among the 17 members present that evening, the most influential personality was that of Grace Barneberg. She was a SLO High School graduate, a 1901 Stanford graduate and was known for her work on the Women’s Prison Board of Trustees. She was a respected, well-

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COMMUNITY 31

O C T O B E R 2011 JournalPLUS

liked community member and an excellent speaker who was accepted in the political circles. Years prior, Barneberg had been active in the suffrage movement working alongside her Mother, Sarah, and other suffrage activists, Amelia Bradbury, Velma Mitchell, Linnie Smith, Ella Herbert, Ida Palmer and Charlotte Mabley. All, except Sarah, ended up being charter members of the new club.

Grace Barneberg was the perfect choice for creating the new club’s Constitution and she chaired a committee which included members, Grace Puffer, Mabel Thomson and Charlotte Mabley (2 from each club). With her leadership skills and experience, she would become the steadfast driving force behind The Monday Club of San Luis Obispo.

It appears that during the formative era every effort was made to see that the foundation of the club was firmly laid and its goals and ideals were properly defined. Early on the charter members decided there would be no newspaper publicity regarding the Monday Club until late May 1925, when the member-ship doors would be opened to the public and the first club year would begin on September 14, 1925 with Charlotte Mabley as president.

Louise Kirkland, Charlotte Mabley and Grace Barneberg became the first three presidential leaders and they firmly led the way to establishing the desired protocol. It was well thought out; they even made sure a few minutes were allocated at every meeting for all members to learn and practice proper procedures from Roberts Rules of Order. By 1926, when Grace Barneberg took the reins, the groundwork had been done to welcome hundreds of new members. The largest mem-bership in the history of the club (a roster of 350 members) occurred in 1927, Barneberg’s second presidential term.

The charter members did a spectacular job building a strong organizational foundation enabling the club to endure. Today, the Constitution and By-Laws still guide the non-profit corporation. The charter mem-bers mission continues each year as annual scholarships in art, music and scholastic achievements are awarded to graduating senior high school students within the City of San Luis Obispo. Little did these women realize their club would develop into a city wide organization embracing a history of accomplishments involving civic, social and educational betterment for their commu-nity – an organization that so far has lasted

86 years and plans to celebrate its 100th anniversary September 8, 2025.

Ruth B. Ginsburg, a Supreme Court Justice member, said it best: “I think about how much we owe to the women who went before us - some known, but many more unknown. Their bravery and resilience is to be applauded.”

Note: (1) Jane C. Croly wrote: The History of Woman’s Club Movement in America in 1898. It was probably on the Book club’s recommended reading list.

(2) When the 2 clubs united to establish the Monday Club they did not dissolve their initial clubs. The Home Culture club and the Book club were still functioning with basi-cally the same members in 1935-36.

(3) Monday Club’s historical data was ascertained from club minutes dating back to 1924.

when hOrace greeley popularized the command: “Go west, young man,” some

adventurous females also knew the directive applied to them. Motivation for such a choice – especially for young women – provides the backdrop for some interesting history.

As the mania for gold subsided in California and the horrific pall of the Civil War en-gulfed the Nation, two adventurous ladies sought to fulfill Greeley’s maxim. That each found only a modicum of fame but consider-able fortune is a tribute to their intelligence, grit, and possibly, luck. That one ends her life shrouded in mystery simply adds to intrigu-ing life chronicles.

Here’s their story. One of ten children, Katherine M. Cox – always known as Miss Kate – was born in 1836 four years before her sister Jennie in New York State. Her father, Mitchell, came to America from Ireland via Quebec. Described as “a man of remarkable ability and unusual

learning,” he was “sadly hampered by his environments.” Their mother was widowed shortly after the birth of the youngest son Walter (1854) but was eulogized as “exem-plary and faithful” in her life. Struggling to provide for her large family, she also insisted her children pursue learning.

Thus, from hereditary, Kate and Jennie were keenly aware that intelligent resolve held the keys to success. Siblings on both shores amassed wealth and social prominence. Indeed, at his death, Isaac, the oldest brother owed Kate some $40,000…an enormous amount in 1916.

When the Cox sisters leapt into a life’s ad-venture traveling west after a smattering of college, neither could know of a future where both would enjoy wealth. But equally impor-tant that they would participate in leading a community’s women into a new frontier of social, political and economic justice. Education and enterprise assured that gender would not deter determination.

The sisters traveled west to teach in the County’s rudimentary public education system but soon found real estate as a more suitable career to pursue for economic inde-pendence. By 1875, the County records begin listing a remarkable number of real estate transactions for each. Jenny eventually chose stock as an appropriate investment.

In 1878, Jennie married the area’s most prominent citizen, Charles H. Johnson. A well-educated, prominent civic and busi-ness leader, Johnson, widowed for 12 years, undoubtedly was attracted to a combination of competency and resourcefulness.

While Jennie may have been “at home” caring for their one son, Rodney Victor, she also took an active role in the management of the considerable Johnson estate. She also invested in real estate and lending money in a wide variety of commercial transactions. Upon her death in 1923, an estate conserva-tively appraised at $75,000 lists property and no less than 50 interest-bearing stocks and bonds valued from $500 to $2000 each.

Meanwhile, Miss Kate provides a one-word autobiography when she registers to vote and succinctly lists “capitalist” as her oc-cupation. Indeed, the County Recorder lists no less than 45 real estate transactions for her. Among her early purchases in 1882: nearly 500 acres of today’s Arroyo Grande for $6000. Upon her death in 1917, her assets totaled approximately $85,000 – over 1.5 million dollars today.

HISTORY

kate and Jennie By Joseph A. Carotenuti

O C T O B E R 2011 JournalPLUS

COMMUNITY32

Kate Cox (L) and sister Jennie. Marguerta-Johnson (middle) is Jennie’s daughter-in-law.

Yet, life for the ladies was more than either the more traditional role as wife and mother or land baron (baroness?) as each partici-pated in the growing national movement culminating in California in October 1911 when male voters (by a small margin) ap-proved the right of women to vote.

Locally, women had not waited for the vote to change communities. Jennie served as president for the Women’s Civic Club (founded in 1909) – a forerunner of today’s Monday Club, while Kate was a founding member of the Political Equality Club (1896) and later the Twentieth Century Club. Indeed, Kate was so famous that when she registered to vote, it was front-page news. Possibly misreporting but more likely Kate’s personality, she lists her age as two years younger than reality.

Women – well before the vote – (and many men) promoted libraries, temperance (Wom-en’s Christian Temperance Leagues), educa-tion, orphanages, and virtually any cause contributing to a “progressive” community.

Ebbing into the “golden” years of life, ac-cording to family reminiscences, Kate was attacked in 1916 in her home at 729 Pismo by a house painter. That summer she returned home to Ellenville to visit her sick brother Isaac. She died there on February 23, 1917 of bronchitis. Her sister, Mary, who also owned property in San Luis Obispo, died in the same year and together the sisters rest for eternity.

Neither Kate nor Jennie were empowered or “liberated” by the opportunity to vote. Unlike their friend, Queenie Warden, who

ran for City Mayor in 1917, neither seemed interested in public office. Each had pursued her dream with the same vigor and intensity undoubtedly learned from watching their father struggle as an immigrant and their mother as a widow. If each had merely accu-mulated wealth and enjoyed the privileges of money, each would have faded into time with others so fortunate…and deservedly so.

For Kate and Jennie, good fortune was not the end of effort but the beginning. Privilege was to be shared with others. One knew the blessings and responsibilities of raising a fam-ily while the other lived each day – for good

or bad – as a single woman. Both braved the world of business with considerable skill.

Neither waited for a benediction to their gifts. Given their success, others could ben-efit from following their lead. The message remains clear that whatever role in life is assumed through choice or circumstance, a community benefits when individuals seek to promote its noblest endeavors.

There is no manifesto to verify their motiva-tions; yet, examining the remaining docu-mentary evidence of their lives sends an echo of strong will and determination, desperately needed even today.

COMMUNITY 33

O C T O B E R 2011 JournalPLUS

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Pristine Home Services made it possible for us to stay comfortable and independent in our home. When Mary was diagnosed with cancer, which is no longer a threat, the people at Pristine became a very important part of our team. They were trustworthy, reliable and always stood by our side. We truly enjoy our relationship with their staff. -- Don and Mary Smith

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Serving All of San Luis Obispo CountyKate Cox

wOuldn’t lIfe Be great If we knew aBOut every service that is available to us to make life easier as we go though it? And, when we get to the end of life,

wouldn’t it be a little bit easier if we knew about the services that are available to get through that final stage? At Hospice Partners, we try to educate the residents of our community about hospice care and end-of-life services. Over the years, we hear many of the same questions concerning hospice. Here are some of those frequently asked questions:

Are all hospices the same? No. Most of the 4,500 hospices in the United States are licensed to provide a comprehensive program that includes medical care as well as emotional and spiritual support. Many communities have more than one licensed and certified hos-

pice. There are both non-profit and for-profit hospices in the United States. Medicare requires that all certified hospices provide a basic level of care, but the quantity and quality of all services can vary from one hospice to another. Hospice Partners is a non-profit, state licensed, Medicare and Medi-Cal certified Hospice Agency that goes beyond the basic Medicare requirements by providing quality, state-of-the-art hospice care to the residents of our community.

Should patients and families wait for their physician to bring up the subject of hospice? People need information to make informed deci-sions. Patients and families should feel free to initiate the discussion with their physician on the possibility of hospice care as an option. Some physicians are hesitant about bringing up the subject; but once the subject is broached, they usually are comfortable in discussing hospice as a positive course of care for patients who meet the criteria. Contacting a licensed and Medicare-certified hospice agency for information and an evaluation is also an option. At Hospice Part-ners, about 50% of the patients who come onto our hospice service contacted us directly for information and an evaluation, prior to any discussion with their physicians.

Is caring for the patient at home the only place hospice care can be delivered? No. Hospice patients can receive care in their personal residences, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, board and care facilities and inpatient hospice units/facilities.

Does hospice provide care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Generally, no. Hospice care does not include a nurse in the home 24/7. Qualified hospice staff is on call for emergencies 24 hours a day. The patient will have periodic visits from the hospice team which, at Hospice Part-ners, includes physicians, nurses, home health aides, medical social workers, dietitians, therapists, spiritual and bereavement counselors, hospice musicians and volunteers.

What specific assistance does hospice provide? In addition to com-prehensive medical care and emotional and spiritual support, hos-pices provide medications, supplies, equipment, and other services related to the terminal illness.

If the patient is not covered by Medicare or any other health insur-ance, will hospice still provide care? If there appears to be no cover-age, the first thing licensed hospices will do is to assist families in finding out whether the patient is eligible for any coverage they may not be aware of. Most non-profit hospices will provide for anyone who cannot pay using money raised from the community through dona-tions, fundraising events, bequests and grants. Hospice Partners will not turn away qualified hospice patients who have no insurance or means of payment.

What if the patient gets better? If the patient’s condition improves and the disease seems to be in remission, patients can be discharged (“graduated”) from hospice and return to aggressive therapy or go on about their daily life. If the discharged patient should later need to return to hospice care, Medicare and most private insurance will allow additional coverage for this purpose.

Does hospice provide any help to the family after the patient dies? Yes. Most licensed hospices provide continuing contact and support for family members for at least a year following the death of a loved one. In addition, some hospices, including Hospice Partners, provide bereavement support for anyone in the community who has experi-enced a death of a family member, a friend, or similar loss, regardless of whether the person died on hospice.

O C T O B E R 2011 JournalPLUS

COMMUNITY34

HoSpice cornerHOSPICE CARE – FREqUENTLY ASKED qUESTIONSBy Megan Prendeville, MSW, Administrator

We ’ r e lea r n ing

m o r e a b o u t p e r i o d o n t a l d isease every day, and public awa reness of

the problem is beginning to sharpen.

M o s t p e o p l e k n o w now that gum disease is the single most prevalent cause of tooth loss, and the numbers a re stagger ing: 80% of the population show some signs of disease. But new findings indicate a more perilous outcome than simple tooth loss.

Science has established a meaningful link between the presence of gum disease and

other disorders: the possibility of heart attack, stroke and, in pregnant women, low birth weight and premature delivery. If a patient is being treated for heart disease and experiencing unexplained periodontal flare-ups, the dentist and primary physician should get together and compare notes. There’s a risky connection.

Do call our office if you have questions about this important health issue.

Pamela Dassenko, DDS practices

cosmetic and family dentistry at:

1250 Peach Street, Suite G

San Luis Obispo CA

(805) 549-8483

www.DrDassenko.com

Gum Disease and Your Health

Dr. Dassenko

A Paid Health Commentary

Update on Dental Care

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O C T O B E R 2011 JournalPLUS

COMMUNITY 35

For answers to additional questions, visit our website at www.hospicepartnerscc.org, click on “Our Services” and then “Frequently Asked Questions.”

This monthly Hospice Corner is sponsored by Hospice Partners of the Central Coast. Megan Prendeville, MSW is the Administrator at Hospice Partners. For more information, call (805) 782-8608.

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: FAMOUS INVENTIONS

ACROSS 1. Ulysses S. Grant’s first name 6. Second-largest bird in world 9. Expel 13. Sun-dried brick 14. “___ a moment too soon” 15. Helper for some elderly 16. Acquire knowledge 17. Contend 18. Abrupt increase 19. *Inventor of electric motor 21. *Cyrus McCormick’s invention 23. Brooks or Gibson, e.g. 24. Small stream 25. Sometimes hard to find in city 28. Traditional spot for an earring 30. Front of a building 35. Like dental surgery 37. Vagrant 39. 13 in baker’s _____ 40. Average 41. Hill or Baker, e.g.

43. Just below roof 44. Gives off 46. ____ drab 47. Wedding cakes often have more than one of these 48. Leader of a Muslim state 50. Russia’s Peter the Great, e.g. 52. “___, the Beloved Country” 53. Hippocrates’ promise 55. Theatrical prompt 57. Not dense 60. *Allen/Gates invention 64. Wallop 65. Neither 67. Dam 68. Affected by wear 69. Masseuse’s office 70. African chieftain 71. Movie “The Way We ____” 72. Clairvoyance 73. Form of Japanese poetry

DOWN 1. 50 percent 2. *An invention usually starts with a good one 3. Serengeti sound 4. Biblical Abraham’s original name 5. *”Father of Genetics” 6. One turns green with it? 7. “Me,” in Paris 8. Wombs 9. Fish found off Atlantic coast of U.S., aka porgy 10. Decrease gradually, often precedes “down” 11. Short for engineer 12. Just a ___ bit 18. Sometimes comes tossed 20. Often comes with a lei 22. Rudolph’s friend Hermey, e.g. 24. Resurrection of the dead 25. Ratio of hypotenuse to oppo-site side of right-angled triangle 26. Scent 27. Russia’s St. _____ Cathedral 29. *Character Q provided

great inventions to him 31. *Inventor of revolver 32. Pre-life 33. Postpone 34. Diary item 36. Lesotho money 38. *Inventor of “hoisting ap-paratus” 42. Olden day calculators 45. Not quite a spoon and not quite a fork 49. ___-been 51. Streamlet 54. Past, present or future _____ 56. Organ swelling 57. If it fits... 58. She survived her infamous husband Henry VIII 59. Bane of teenager’s existence 60. Tortilla sandwich 61. Baker’s baker 62. Song “Eight Days a ____” 63. “Que sera ____” 64. *Huge network 66. Roman goddess of plenty

O C T O B E R C R O S S W O R D S O L U T I O N S O N P A G E 4 3

O C T O B E R 2011 JournalPLUS

COMMUNITY36

we’ve knOwn fOr many years aBOut the need for a new homeless services facility in San Luis Obispo, to consolidate the aging Maxine Lewis Shelter

with the hard-pressed Prado Day Center. These twin facilities are three miles apart, requiring that many homeless people navigate that long haul each morning and evening. The Maxine Lewis overnight shelter, with 49 beds, fills up each night; local churches pitch in to accommodate the overflow on a rotating basis. Moreover, its recycled modular buildings are well beyond their useful life.

But there’s good news for the homeless in this community: The Com-munity Action Partnership of SLO (CAPSLO) is choosing a local architecture firm to design a new, 24-hour homeless services center which will provide a “continuum of care” – not just a roof and a bed, but a range of services to help them get “rapid re-housing.”

On September 15, the CAPSLO Board chose the local firm of Garcia Architecture + Design as the lead design team for the new project.

Our decision followed a four-month competitive design process which involved sixteen firms from all over the state. George Garcia is already well-known for his work in SLO, and he has assembled an outstanding team. Their proposal demonstrated a profound understanding of the needs of CAPSLO, our clients, and the community.

The new Homeless Services Center will occupy a 1.1-acre site on South Higuera Street, next to the County’s Department of Social Services. It’s been years in the planning already: In 2010, the City approved a use permit for the site by a unanimous vote of our Plan-ning Commission. Earlier this year, the County Board of Supervi-sors approved a 49-year lease for CAPSLO to build and operate the new center.

The tentative site plan includes ample parking, a children’s play area, working vegetable gardens, and outdoor seating. The proposed two-story building provides offices for case managers, counselors, and health services. Besides the all-important laundry, a full commercial kitchen will serve a dining area and (we hope) even a small café to serve the public in a friendly atmosphere. On the second floor, up to 200 beds will provide separate sleeping areas for families as well as single men and women. The entire project is designed to help the homeless to help themselves getting back on their feet; its “social enterprise” function will provide job training and work experience for those who are able in mind, body, and spirit.

Why build a brand new building, when there is so much vacant com-mercial space already on the market? CAPSLO and its partners have examined that question carefully for over three years, and determined that a new building at this location is the best solution for this com-munity at this time. The new homeless facility won’t be a “Taj Mahal” – but it will be a beacon of hope for a sizable group of people who really need a new start. It will be a landmark that expresses our com-passion for the homeless, and yet challenges all of us – including the clients – to do a better job as a community, as a society, and as human beings to assure that nobody is allowed to “fall through the cracks” of our safety net.

How can you help? Donations and pledges are always welcome, but you can also help the homeless by volunteering your time, or con-tributing various household items – new or “gently used.” Contact CAPSLO at 544-4355 or visit www.capslo.org, or the Prado Day Cen-ter at 541-6351 x522, www.pradodaycenter.org.

People don’t become homeless overnight, and their problems aren’t solved overnight either… but with your help, our new Homeless Ser-vices Center will be a place where a night’s stay (or a day’s visit) might provide the respite needed to gain a new “hold” on life.

palm Street perSpectiveNEW HOMELESS SERVICES CENTER WILL BE A BEACON OF HOPE By SLO City Councilman, John B. Ashbaugh, Vice Mayor

Downtown The Magazine of Downtown San Luis Obispo October 2011

Around

I n s i d e :W h a t ’ s U pN e w B u s i n e s s N e w s

Well, here we are getting ready to enjoy what I believe is the best time of the year.

The weather’s wonderful, the town’s settled back into its post-summer rhythm and those ubiquitous pumpkins and Hallowe’en costumes signal the ‘fun’ is about to begin. Not that Concerts in the Plaza and Taste of San Luis® were anything less than some of the best times we’ve ever offered, it’s just that it FEELS nice to ‘get back to normal,’ or some semblance of it.

F’rinstance, our slate of events over the next few months—and projects and programs well after

that—will continue to showcase Downtown as the hub of activity and commerce we’ve designed it to be. You’ll see all the annual festivities including this month’s Hallowe’en Costume Contest, Downtown Trick or Treating and Hallowe’en Hoopla at Farmers Market on the 27th. Returning this year to join the line up is Pumpkin Paul with giant and (more importantly) beautiful “Pumpkins on Parade” at our Thursday night market on the 20th and 27th. Great photo opportunities!

A Veteran’s Celebration at the market is slated for November 10—marking the

third year of this special activity designed to honor our country’s veterans including the 25,000 in this county alone. Then “Save the Date”—or plan to join the procession—of the annual Holiday Parade on December 2. This year’s theme, “Bear-y Merry Christmas,” teams our beloved Thursday night market mascot Downtown Brown with Santa, who will be on hand to hear children’s wishes in

his Alpine house in Mission Plaza starting November 25. (Applications for being in the Holiday Parade can be obtained on our website starting November 1.)

Back to October. On other less visible fronts, we have some important issues to grapple with. A Downtown

construction and beautification project is slated to begin this coming January; working with the City and Downtown businesses to ensure the smoothest, least-impacting project possible begins now, or at least as soon as the bids come in and the project is awarded. Remodeling Downtown is a lot like remodeling an older

On the Cover: “Arrrh, matey” says little Brodie S., though he won more hearts with his darling smile than his wicked sword at last year’s Hallowe’en Costume Contest at Thursday Night Promotions farmers market. Bring your costumed kids ages 0 – 12 years of age (parents and older children can enter the “Pairs” category) to the market on October 27 for Downtown trick or treating starting at 5 PM, the contest begins on Chorro and Higuera at 6:15 PM. Info call Sarah at 541-0286. Photo by Deborah Cash

W h a t ’ s U p A r o u n d D o w n t o w n ?

Deborah Cash, CMSM, Executive Director

SLO Downtown Association Presents...

Hallowe’en Festivities@ T h u r s d a y N i g h t P r o m o t i o n s F a r m e r s ’ M a r k e t

Thursday, October 27

Hallowe ’ en costume contestS p o n s o r e d b y : Y o g u r t C r e a t i o n s

Goblins and Princesses wanted! Get creative and compete for some ‘wickedly’ cool prices. Age groups: 0 - 2, 3 - 4, 5 - 8, 9 - 12, and Pairs (can include older children, parents and pets!) Sign - ups begin at 5 PM

on Chorro and Higuera streets, contest runs from 6:15 - 8 PM.

Howl ’o ’ ween hooplaBrought to you by: City of SLO Parks & Recreation

Exciting Howl ’O’ Ween themed games and activities on Garden Street from 6 - 9 PM.

(805) 541 - 0286 or www.DowntownSLO.com for more info

Downtown Tr i ck - or - Treat Sponsored by: Sean M. Lee Broker, GRI.

THE REAL ESTATE COMPANYKIDS! SAFE and FUN Trick - or - Treating in participating Downtown Businesses

5 - 8 PM. Maps and treat bags at Chorro and Higuera streets.

house—you never know what you’ll find until you get in there, then it usually takes longer and costs more than you figured on. So, communication is key to soothing nerves and remaining positive, and that’s where we come in. We’ve managed promotional campaigns for a number of projects in the Downtown area, often turning the boo's into woohoo's by featuring the improvements and the final product and promoting businesses that need a little extra attention when nearby signs say “Detour.”

We’re also weighing in on the issue of banning

single-use bags. Our Thursday night market’s ‘Going Green’ project has been underway for nearly two years now boasting successes in achieving a number of environmental awareness goals including: banning the use of Styrofoam containers for food items, selling reusable bags at a reasonable price, procuring solar energy to power the sound system for the Main Stage (thanks to Pacific Energy

Company), incorporating the Bike Valet as an ongoing service and supporting ‘green business’ participation in the market to educate the public about going green. So the bag ban seems like the next logical step toward ecological responsibility: stay tuned.

Another activity I’d like to mention that may interest the public is a joint venture with the Downtown

Association and the local superior court: the Juror Discount Dining Program. Ever served jury duty? Then you know most jurors and potential jurors typically begin their stint in the morning and receive a much-anticipated lunch break. Prior to the break, the court staff provides jurors with brochures that have information about places in Downtown to eat, get coffee, etc. Many of the participating food vendors offer discounts or special offers to jurors (who need to display

W h a t ’ s U p A r o u n d D o w n t o w n ?

For the love of pumpkins!Pumpkin Paul, a market favorite, returns with his giant—and lovely—pumpkins for kids and big people to enjoy this October. He’ll also hand out info on how to grow these oversized orbs yourself—yes, you CAN try this at home! Photo by Deborah Cash Continued next page

Taste du SLO-leilTaste of San Luis®

Thank You For Another Spectacular Year!Our Fabulous Vendors:

2nd Chance Winery & Art GalleryApple Farm Restaurant & BakeryBaba Foods SLOBaileyana & Tangent WineriesBianchi WineryBig Sky CafeBlackHorse Espresso & BakeryCastoro CellarsCattaneo Bros.Cayucos CellarsCenter of Effort WineryChamisal VineyardsChangala Winery

Chateau Margene WineryChino’s Rock & TacosCielo CantinaCiopinot Seafood GrilleClaiborne & Churchill Winery Cowboy Cookie N’ GrubCreeky Tiki Bar & GrilDream Dinners Ferrini SquareEberle WineryEdna Valley VineyardFirestone Walker Brewing Co.Greenhouse Grill & Cafe @ Embassy Suites SLOHammerSky Vineyards & WineryHouse of Bread

J. Lohr Vineyards & WinesJustin WineryKynsi WineryLaetitia Vineyard & WineryLido Restaurant at the Dolphin Bay Hotel & ResidencesLuna RedMama’s MeatballMo | TavNovo Restaurant & LoungeOasis RestaurantPeachy Canyon WineryPismo Beach WineryPithy Little Wine Co.Pozo Valley Winery

RAKURocky Mountain Chocolate FactorySaucelito Canyon VineyardSculpterra WinerySeaVenture RestaurantSLO Brewing Co.Something’s Cooking CateringSplash Cafe~Artisan BakeryStill Waters VineyardsTahoe Joe’s Famous Steakhouse Talley VineyardsTap It BrewingThai PalaceTolosa Winery

Treana & Hope Family WinesTwo Cooks CateringVina Robles WineryWCP CellarsWestberg CellarsWolff VineyardsWood Winery

Our Fantastic Volunteers: Alphonso OrtizBill Gaines AudioBrittnay MarrCity of San Luis ObispoCore Dance CompanyCostume CapersDaryl PayneDave HovdeJeanette TrompeterJohn ForsbergJudy OldenkampKathy Collins

Kelsey WallaceKristin AlexanderKristine TardiffLaura BroomMarilyn & Nels SiversonMark Wilder & CompanyMichelle GarlickPam & Bob SeeleySandra FoxfordSarah & Dana ForsnerStan CarpenterStephen Patrick Design

Susie PennerSuspended Motion Performance TroupeSuzy MillerThe Blade Runner Salon & Day SpaTheresa & Scott WeiderholdTJ MayTodd LeMay

Cielo Cantina Creeky Tiki Bar & Grill Crystal Springs WaterLaetitia Vineyard & Winery

Donations From:

A very special thank you to our wine glass sponsor:Court Street

REVOLVE Christopher & Kym Pelzel, owners 781 Higuera Street (805) 782-9011 Recycle, Reuse, Reinvent.....REVOLVE.REVOLVE is an exciting new resale retail store located in charming Downtown San Luis Obispo, opened three months ago by Kym Pelzel and her family. San Luis Obispo has been their home for 35 years and this new business is their second such venture: the first is THREADS in Morro Bay, which opened early in 2009. Both stores offer a fashionable blend of recycled contemporary and vintage clothing, shoes and handbags as well as vintage and new jewelry and accessories.

Kym selects each item with a discerning eye for quality, uniqueness and style. Everything is in excellent condition, and some items are one-of-a-kind. You can find such premium and luxury labels as Chanel, Gucci, Cole Haan, Rock & Republic, True Religion, Free People, Urban Renewal and Velvet to name a few. Also on the racks are

brands from Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie, all of which can be had for a fraction of their original cost. The shoes and handbags are made of leather, exotic skins and fine fabrics. The jewelry and accessories are a combination of desirable vintage and some new offerings of the hottest trends.

The hand selected merchandise is showcased in a beautifully appointed store with a friendly and helpful staff. The walls are original brick, with hardwood floors, pressed tin ceiling and the

racks are handcrafted from plumbing pipe by Chris, Kym's stepfather and business partner. There is a widescreen television near the dressing rooms playing fashion and music videos; the atmosphere is urban, trendy and comfortable. As most of the items are used and recycled, your purchases are "green" and environmentally friendly.

Store hours are Monday-Saturday 10:30-7:00 and Sunday 11:00-5:00.

Submitted by Alexis Fontenot, Manager of THREADS

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated Tawnee Hosick, Branch Manager 999 Monterey Street, Suite 360 (805) 783-2921Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, a full-service brokerage and investment banking firm founded in 1890 and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is pleased to announce the opening of their new office in the heart of Downtown San Luis Obispo, California at 999 Monterey Street, Suite 360.

The San Luis Obispo office, which opened last December, is under the direction of Tawnee Hosick, Branch Manager and Financial Advisor. Tawnee has more than 13 years in the industry and specializes in assisting clients with creating and implementing individual investment plans. Currently, there are four Financial Advisors in the local office: Tawnee Hosick, Phillip Cohl, Robert Franzen and Roxanne Pryor. Supporting these Financial Advisors are: Registered Client Service Associate Konnie Baker and

Client Service Associate Laurel Coleman.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to continue to serve the residents of San Luis Obispo and surrounding communities,” said Tawnee Hosick. “Stifel Nicolaus is deeply committed to providing clients with the tools they need to help them pursue their financial goals. I believe our community will benefit from a local alternative that offers the same breadth and depth of products and services as the larger banks and wire houses without the ‘big bank’ mentality. Stifel prides itself on its Midwestern roots, client centric culture and financial strength.”

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated operates more than 300 offices in 44 states,

with an increasing presence in California. A full range of investments, including stocks, corporate and municipal bonds, mutual funds and annuities, insurance options and managed accounts are available through the firm.

To learn more, please visit www.stifel.com or call the office directly at (805) 783-2921.

N e w B u s i n e s s N e w s

Continued from previous page

W h a t ’ s U p A r o u n d D o w n t o w n ?

their juror badge). This not only saves money but allows those who may not visit Downtown SLO very often to see what’s being offered here. We just hope the jurors don’t enjoy themselves TOO much and end up getting the hairy eyeball from the judge for returning late!

Yes, it’s Aaaahhh-ctober, where Hallowe’en is the ‘gateway’ holiday activity and things

officially get crazy—but in a good way!—from here on out…around Downtown.

Pictured (L-R): Jack Pelzel, Kym Pelzel, Chris Pelzel and Marta Pelzel

O C T O B E R 2011 JournalPLUS

repOrt cards fOr students are usually issued at the end of a quarter or semester. However, in California all public schools and school districts receive

a series of “report cards” in the fall just as a new school year begins. This year, the schools in our county, have received several accountability reports from the California Department of Education that give our schools, parents and the community a picture of how our students and schools perform in certain areas. The reports are available online at cde.ca.gov.

Over the past 12 years, there has been a substantial increase in the breath and depth of our state’s school accountability system. I can well remember when there was no set of common curriculum standards (student expectations) for all schools in the state. Every district had its own set of standards in subject areas which were usu-ally based on the textbooks being used at the time. With differing standards came differing student assessments. With this individual-istic approach it was not possible to make valid judgments regarding student academic achievement across the state or among districts and schools. Given the substantial investment of public funds (about 40% of the state’s General Fund), this lack of accountability was not acceptable from a public policy or fiscal responsibility point of view. Now we have a comprehensive set of curriculum standards for most subjects and an accompanying set of student assessments used by all schools in the state.

The most recent development in school accountability has been the involvement of the federal government with states and local school districts with the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act which provides funds for students living in poverty. In order to con-tinue receiving this funding, schools are required to show substantial progress each year toward the goal of having all students reach a level of achievement in English-Language Arts and Math that is equivalent to a letter grade of B+.

Here is a summary of how students and schools in our county per-formed on two of the latest sets of state accountability reports:

1. Student Achievement on Content Standards (STAR Testing). Student assessment on the California Standards Tests (CST’s) is the core of our state’s accountability system for schools. All students in grades 2-11 take proficiency tests in English-Language Arts and Mathematics. In addition, students in middle school and high school take proficiency exams in a variety of science courses and US History. California’s content standards are considered to be among the most rigorous in the nation and students are expected to be proficient at a level that equates to a letter grade of B+. The latest proficiency reports show that county students continued to exceed the state averages by 5-10 percentage points. Most of the tested areas showed about 60% of students scoring at the desired level of

proficiency. Students in grades 4, 5 and 6 made particularly strong showing in math with 73% of fourth graders scoring proficient. Also, about half of our eight graders completed Algebra I which is considered a “gateway” course for college.

2. School Achievement on the Academic Performance Index (API). The API score is a single number ranging from a low of 200 to a high of 1000 that reflects a school’s performance level on the state test-ing program including the High School Exit Exam. Its purpose is to measure the academic performance and growth of schools. The state target for all schools is 800 and 45 of our 68 schools, or 66%, have reached or exceeded that target. The great majority of schools below 800 were in the very high 700s. When compared to the state averages, our schools again had higher scores. 82% of our elementary schools scored 800 as compared to 55% for the state; 91% of our middle schools scored 800 as compared with 43% for the state; and 36% of our high schools met the target a compared with 28% for the state. Seven of our ten local school districts are now at the 800 level.

I am certainly pleased that our schools exceed the state averages in almost all areas of student achievement and we seem to be continuing the trend of improving each year. Credit goes to a strong teaching staff and parents who are involved with their children’s education.

COMMUNITY 41

our ScHoolS: ACCOUNTABILITY REPORTS FOR OUR SCHOOLSBy Dr. Julian Crocker, County Superintendent of Schools

Liz HiattOwner

773-6418centralcoastwelcome@gmail.com

A FREE SERVICE TO NEWCOMERS

NEW TO TOWN?Get your free welcome packet! It includes maps, civic info, coupons from cafes, groceries, wineries, auto hardware, garden, medical, dental, etc.

Call your greeter or go to centralcoastwelcome.com

• Los Osos/Morro Bay/Cayucos/Cambria: Aloma Davis: 235-1131

• SLO/South County/Avila: Liz Hiatt: 773-6418

• North County: Sandy Hexberg: 238-1529

805.783.4000 phone805.235.0463 cell805.783.4005 fax711 Tank Farm Rd., Ste. 100San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Derek Bishop805-801-1382

dbishop5224@gmail.com

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CAL POLY STUDENTS TEACH ART TO HOMELESS For over five years Cal Poly Students have been volunteering once a week through Student Community Services (SCS) providing art classes and activities for children of all ages at the overflow night shelters for the homeless. The situation they are in is so unfortunate and, since they are only children, they are especially vulnerable. “It’s nice to see all the support they receive from the Homeless Service System,” stated Cal Poly student and frequent volunteer Isabelle Kraus.

NORTH COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY MICROCHIP CLINIC North County Humane Society will be holding microchip clinics every Wednesday from 10am-6:30pm. Stop by and have your cat microchipped so you’ll never have to worry about them getting lost! It’s the best $15 you will ever spend! 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero, CA. www.slonchs.org

THIRD ANNUAL CENTRAL COAST RAILROAD FESTIVAL The Third Annual Central Coast Railroad Festival, set for October 6-10th, will focus on rail excursions, modeling of all types and historical programs. Activities will take place at numerous railroad, historical and educational locations throughout SLO and northern Santa Barbara Counties. The Central Coast Railroad Festival is designed to please casual train buffs and avid rail fans as well as delight tourists and locals of all ages. Attendees will be able to celebrate rail’s history and future while experiencing all types of modeling, rail excursions, concerts, films, exhibits, ceremonies, rail organization meetings, historical presentations and special programs. Most Festival events will be free and all will be fun and very family friendly. Further information on the Central Coast Railroad Festival, including the developing schedule of events, a list of participating organizations and an email notification sign up, can be found at www.ccrrf.com or by calling the Festival office at 805-773-4173.

OPERA SLO CONCERT Opera SLO presents, in collaboration with Sierra Madre Playhouse, The Yeomen of the Guard on Oct. 22 at 7:30 pm & Oct. 23 at 2 pm, at the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande. Gilbert & Sullivan’s thrilling tale brimming with love triangles, disguises and “topsy-turvy” schemes around the escape of a falsely accused prisoner in the Tower of London in the late 1500s. This exciting story features poignant moments, bawdy humor and delicate romance. Tickets range from $20-50. For more information call 489-9444.

42 THE BULLETIN BOARD

O C T O B E R 2011 JournalPLUS

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11 YEAR-OLD MAKES BEANIES FOR BABIES Isabel Carpenter, an 11-year old from SLO presented hand-knit beanies made on her loom to volunteers at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center. The beanies are used to keep babies in the hospital’s Newborn

Intensive Care Unit warm after birth. Carpenter presented the beanies to Auxillary President Joyce Bauer, and member Stacy Bengston.

12TH ANNUAL SEA LIFE CENTER FUNDRAISER The Avila Beach Sea Life Center is hosting their 12th annual Sea Fare fundraiser on Friday, October 21st. It’s the Sea Life Center’s annual fundraiser dedicated to supporting its hands on marine science education programs. Guests will sample the Central Coast’s finest fare, enjoy a silent auction and live entertainment. To learn about sponsorship opportunities or to order tickets, please contact the Sea Life Center at (805) 595-7280 or info@sealifecenter.org. Tickets are $75.

FRANK AND BETSEY KELTON HONORED The 2011 Louis Tedone, M.D. Humanitarian Award was presented to Frank and Betsey Kelton at a recent French Hospital Medical Center fundraiser. The Keltons were honored for their involvement with countless charities for many years that has helped enhance the quality of life and health care for our community. Betsey is currently the board president for the Women’s Shelter Program. She has also held many volunteer leadership roles with the American Heart Association, Lifespan, Hospice Partners, and Project Lifesaver. Frank Kelton is the creator of the San Luis Ambulance Explorer Program, a volunteer program which provides hands-on experience and scholarships for young adults interested in pursuing a career in the field of medicine. He has served as President of the Emergency Medical Services Agency and the California Ambulance Association, as well as supporting non-profit groups such as Special Olympics. Past recipients of the Louis Tedone, M.D. Humanitarian Award include Jac Pedersen, D.D.S., Steve Hearst, Ke-Ping Tsao, M.D., Rob Rossi, and Phyllis Madonna.

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CAL POLY VS. UCSB Cal Poly Mustang Soccer will again be hosting the hotly contested Central Coast Rivalry with the UCSB Gauchos. The first matchup will take place Friday, October 14th at 7 p.m. at Mustang Sta-dium. A capacity crowd is expected for what has become the #1 college soccer rivalry game in the country. Last season 8,125 fans packed the Stadium to watch Mustang forward Chris Gaschen strike in the 93rd minute and send UCSB to a 2-1 defeat. Don’t miss this one.

NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & ADVISOR FOR OPERA SLO Opera SLO recently announced the appointments of a new Artistic Director and Conductor, as well as a new Artistic Advisor. Brian Asher Alhadeff will take over duties from former Artistic Director and Conductor Robert Ashens. Alhadeff has served for several years as artistic director for an international summer opera festival in the Czech Republic. He has had an active performing career as a conductor and frequently lectures throughout the United States and abroad. Opera SLO also announced that Jacalyn Kreitzer will serve as Artistic Advisor for the company. She will assist with the development of young talent to fill chorus and comprimario roles. Kreitzer is a teacher of Applied Voice at Cal Poly, emphasizing vocal health and vocology. She is the Founder & Producer of Cal Poly Student Opera Theatre.

MONTANA DE ORO ANNUAL POKER RIDE AND TOUR The Coast Mounted Assistance, a group of equestrians who volunteer in our local State Parks are having their Annual “Poker Ride” on October 9th and having special events Oct. 7th-11th. This is an opportunity to come to Montana de Oro State Park, get “guided tours” of some of the best horse-friendly trails, or follow a marked route on your own, at your own pace. This is a festive occasion, with a fabulous BBQ lunch after the ride; prizes; auction items; and a used tack sale.

750-MILE BIKE RIDE Kevin Main recently completed Paris-Brest-Paris, a 1200km (750-mile) ride in 80 hours and 42 minutes. First run in 1891, the

1200-kilometer Paris-Brest-Paris, or “PBP” is a grueling test of human endurance and cycling ability. Organized every four years it is the oldest bicycling event still run on a regular basis on the open road. Beginning on the southern side of the French capital, it travels west 600 kilometers to the port city of Brest on the Atlantic Ocean and returns along the same route. In order to prepare for this accomplishment, his weekly training included commuting from his home in Cayucos to work in San Luis Obispo 3-4 days per week.

44 THE BULLETIN BOARD

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O C T O B E R 2011 JournalPLUS

whIle much Of the wOrld’s InfOrmatIOn is distributed via the internet, there’s still plenty to be said for the power of personal contact. No one knows that

quite as well as the chamber of commerce staff members who operate the numerous visitor centers in SLO County. Granted, these folks are already more than busy processing email requests for information, but it’s how they manage phone calls and walk-in visitors that really define the red carpet of local hospitality.

Think about these operations. They are the interface between visitor serving businesses and the potential visitor. In many cases a welcom-ing visitor specialist can take what might have been a short stop and build interest into making it an overnight stay. Economic Develop-ment in its simplest form. Many of the visitor centers are open to visitors seven days a week. They offer computer kiosks and brochures; menu books and visitors guides. And in between stuffing envelopes to mail out relocation information or list of locations for hosting a family reunion, the paid staff and volunteers in the visitors’ centers give our communities a face. A personality. A warmth that is oft times put to the test by cranky, overtired travelers.

Working the visitor centers also offers a benefit: up-close-and-personal access to some curious people asking even more curious questions. As the fall season starts to wind down into winter, I thought it would be fun to survey some of the centers and find out what’s on visitors’ minds.

In Arroyo Grande one visitor needed to know where to report a UFO sighting. An unlucky family stopped in San Luis Obispo to ask a one-of-a-kind question – what to do with their dog, who had unfor-tunately deceased while on the road trip. The visitor specialist offered information on animal control, but was stumped on the follow up questions: “Can’t we just bury him somewhere? Do we need a permit?”

Years ago when I helped in the SLO Visitor Center, we had someone call looking for the name of an actor in a 1940s movie…seemed a din-ner party was underway and the tablemates were stumped. Another time someone couldn’t remember the name of the women’s dress store on Higuera… could have been the Smart Shoppe, or Lenore Smith, maybe even Anthea A’s. Return visitors come looking for events long gone: “Do you still have the Wild Game BBQ?”

And before Facebook and Linked in and other sites did the job, Chamber visitor centers were the go-to places for tracking people down. A fellow called Arroyo Grande from outside California looking to find an old buddy. The caller was coming to visit and hoped the pals might reconnect. The staff member took the caller’s phone number and went to work – and found the son of the fellow

being sought. One thing led to another and the friends spent a nice afternoon together—followed by a grateful phone call of thanks to the Chamber

But the Morro Bay Chamber may have taken the – forgive the pun—cake recently. A Texas couple stopped in at the waterfront center and was admiring the view. Caught up in the moment, the man said to the woman, “Why wait?” He turned to the visitor center staff and posed the question, “What does it take to get married here?” The time was 3:30 pm and the staff whipped into action. The County Clerk’s office was called – it seemed all that was needed was a license. While the lovebirds went shopping for their marriage license, the visitor center staff got on the phone and arranged for a place for the nuptials, f lowers for the bride and champagne for the celebration. The happy couple returned, license in hand, and the wedding proceeded – that very afternoon. Now that’s service (note the centers all offer their services at no cost to the visitor).

And lastly, the same centers that help visitors day in and day out get a chance to have some fun, too. Iconic Morro Rock is often bathed in fog, leading visitors to ask “what happened to the rock that used to be here?” One center volunteer enjoys answering with a smile on his face, “We moved it down the coast. But it will be back.”

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october is home to Applejack, Harvest Wine, and California Beer events.

our barkeep says October is truly the month of spirits, alcoholic and ethereal.

liSztomania 2011 marks the 200th anniversary of Franz Listz’s birth. The Hungarian pianist began composing at the age of 8 and performed until his death at 74.

franz liSzt said, “Beware of missing chances; otherwise it may be altogether too late some day.”

pablo picaSSo was born October 25, 1881. The artist said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

dedicated on October 28, 1886, the massive Statue of Liberty Enlight-ening the World is 125 years old and rests on 200-year-old Fort Wood.

at tHe liberty inauguration, President Grover Cleveland said, “We will not forget that Liberty has here made her home; nor shall her chosen altar be neglected.”

century, the antique hand-carved Herschell-Spillman carousel at Tilden Park in Berkeley just turned 100 years old. Built in New York in 1911 for a California customer, the working merry-go-round is on the National Register of Historic Places.

autHor William Tammeus said, “You don’t really understand hu-man nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around – and why his parents will always wave back.”

october 1921: The World Series was heard on a radio station for the first time.

october 1931: Olympic gold medal swimmer Johnny Weissmuller was chosen to star in the Tarzan movies.

WeiSSmuller said the movies were right up his alley. There was swimming in it, and he didn’t have much to say, could climb trees, say “Me Tarzan, you Jane,” and make a million.

menSa was created in 1946 as a society for high IQ people. Sixty-five years later, the organization boasts over 100,000 Mensans across 100 countries.

magician James Randi quipped, “People who are smart get into Mensa. People who are really smart look around and leave.”

october 1961: President John F. Kennedy advised American fami-lies to build bomb shelters to protect them from fallout in the event of a nuclear war.

WitHin a feW yearS, homeowners turned the government-funded underground bomb shelters into wine cellars and hobby rooms.

fire prevention Week is here. October’s major fires include the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, Peshtigo Forest Fire in 1871, and Oakland Firestorm in 1991.

fire Slogan: Don’t let your dreams go up in smoke.

columbuS day is October 12.

national School Lunch Week is Oct. 12-16. Our teacher says stu-dent lunchbox cuisine rivals a restaurant menu. She is the only one with a PBJ sandwich in a paper bag.

october 2001: Apple introduced the iPod, a portable music player capable of storing 1,000 songs.

yarnSpinnerS gather in Tennessee this month for the National Storytelling Festival.

our barber says no stories equal folk tales and ghost stories shared around a friendly campfire.

autumn is here. The Farmer’s Almanac predicts normal weather, maybe light rain early and late in the month, but otherwise a calm prelude to winter. Enjoy October’s fests.

october almanacBy Phyllis Benson

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