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Archive By Section - Lifestyle


‘Table of Hearts’ product of years of agonizing, yet rewarding work for local author

For some people the writing process is a form of release and filled with immeasurable pleasures. Gerald "Jerry" Avila is more likely to describe it as a self-imposed prison term wrought with its own unique tortures.

March 15, 2011 | Sabra Stafford | Lifestyle


Railtown steam trains start rolling on April 2

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park (SHP) in Jamestown will begin the first weekend of steam train operations for 2011 on April 2-3.

March 11, 2011 | Staff Reports TURLOCK JOURNAL | Lifestyle


Turlock pub to honor namesake on St. Patrick’s Day

Celebrate St. Paddy's Day while contributing to cancer awareness and research at Wellington's British Pub & Restaurant in downtown Turlock.

March 11, 2011 | Staff Reports TURLOCK JOURNAL | Lifestyle


Sonora Celtic Faire brings knights, step dancers, jousters to area

Anyone wishing to get into the spirit of the shamrock a little early, need not look any further than the hills in Sonora.

March 11, 2011 | Sabra Stafford | Lifestyle


Museum celebrates glory days of radio

The sounds emanating from radios have been a part of the American fabric for more than 100 years and a new exhibit at the Turlock Historical Society's museum is paying homage to the technology that changed the world.

February 22, 2011 | Sabra Stafford | Lifestyle


Hike reminiscent of 1800s missionary trail

The trail that winds through the San Joaquin Valley, which was blazed by the Yokut tribe and fortified by the soldiers and missionaries who followed in their footpaths, is re-opening again for the popular "Path of the Padres" hike.

February 04, 2011 | Sabra Stafford | Lifestyle


Perseverance brings ‘Magic Pajamas’ to life

"The Magic Pajamas" is a children's story set in rhyme about a brother and sister who go on an extraordinary adventure through the power of their PJs, but the real magic, says Turlock author Steve Olsen, is how the book made it to fruition.

January 18, 2011 | Sabra Stafford | Lifestyle


Turlocker creates magical holiday village

A winter wonderland of snowy mountains, majestic pines, bustling outdoor ice rinks, and cozy country inns nestled among toy workshops and candy confectioneries has come to Turlock … at least in the miniature form.

December 14, 2010 | Sabra Stafford | Lifestyle


Holiday films battle for supremacy

The stockings are hung, the cookies are warm from the oven and it's time to turn on the Christmas movie. But which one is going to be playing on your television?

December 11, 2010 | Sabra Stafford | Lifestyle


Author relates story of Central Valley migrant family

A story of hardships, perseverance and the bonds of family ties that span the generations are played out on the pages of former Turlock resident Debra Boroughs' newly released memoir "Chicana."

December 07, 2010 | Sabra Stafford | Lifestyle


Holiday activities promise spooky fun

Ghosts, ghouls and goblins have plenty of trick-or-treating alternatives this year at area Halloween events. Several organizations are hosting their own Halloween carnivals the day before Halloween as an alternative to the traditional door-to-door candy collecting. Costume contests and pumpkin carving contests will also get families in the Halloween spirit this year.

October 19, 2010 | Andrea Goodwin | Lifestyle


Festival celebrates architecture

The art and drama of towering skyscrapers, bridges that seem to defy gravity and the beauty of a solid structure will be the focus of the upcoming Modesto International Architecture Festival.

October 19, 2010 | Sabra Stafford | Lifestyle


The story of Turlock’s new real Santa

Nestled in a quiet Turlock neighborhood is a 5-year-old boy with rosy cheeks, a shy smile, and a twinkle in his eyes.

September 28, 2010 | Sabra Stafford | Lifestyle


Do it yourself wine?

Home brewers are a dime a dozen these days. But home winemakers?

August 31, 2010 | Alex Cantatore | Lifestyle


Local author chronicles history of Ceres in pictorial book

From its past days as a place where wheat grew in abundance to its contributions to the worlds of entertainment and politics, the history of Ceres is on full display in the latest installment of the "Images of America" series.

August 17, 2010 | Sabra Stafford | Lifestyle


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Articles by Section - Lifestyle


Back and Better: Chocolate Festival reaches 20 years

It's almost here – and chocolate lovers can't wait. The 20th annual Oakdale Chocolate Festival – known now as 'Cowboys and Chocolate' – will be staged in downtown Oakdale on Saturday and Sunday. This longstanding festival serves up something for everyone in the family and draws thousands of visitors annually to the Cowboy Capital of the World. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on ...

May 14, 2013 | BY MARG JACKSON Turlock Journal | Lifestyle


Former Turlock resident mines family saga for debut novel

For Marylin Hayes-Martin inspiration struck on a flight to the Gulf Coast. Having turned the last page on "Cane River," a family saga of four generations set in Louisiana, Hayes-Martin's thoughts turned to her Cherokee-born great-grandmother and the line of women that grew in her wake in the Ozarks of Arkansas. "I knew I had all these great stories about these women and the hardships they endured," Hayes-Martin said. "I said to ...

May 07, 2013 | Sabra Stafford | Lifestyle


Club holds first annual garden tour

Spring has sprung, and for local gardeners and plant fanatics, there is nothing like taking a stroll through a perfectly manicured garden. In an effort to highlight the outdoor arts of Turlock, the Turlock Garden Club will present its first annual "The Joy of Gardening Tour," from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The tour consists of four different home gardens, each representing a unique theme based on accessories and floral ...

May 07, 2013 | Brooke Borba | Lifestyle


Livingston celebrates aerial delights with festival

If Livingston residents see a giant octopus, a purple dragon, or a flying turtle in the sky on April 14, they shouldn't be alarmed. It won't be the strangest invasion from outer space. It will be the 2nd annual "Time to Fly" kite festival. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 14, the Livingston skyline will be filled with a bevy of kites as enthusiasts and novices alike gather at Livingston Middle School ...

April 02, 2013 | Sabra Stafford | Lifestyle


Victorian parade, egg hunts set for holiday weekend

Those looking for treasure in Gold Rush country are sure to find it this weekend, as Columbia State Park hosts its annual Victorian Easter Parade and Egg Hunt. The historic state park that features a Gold Rush-era business district with preserved shops, restaurants and hotels will host a Victorian Easter celebration on Sunday. "Two to three thousand come to the park on Easter every year," said Columbia Chamber of Commerce President Gary ...

March 26, 2013 | Kristina Hacker | Lifestyle


Bring your Irish out this holiday with St. Patrick's Day events

It's that time of year again. The grass is green once again - and so is the town. Yes, St. Patrick's Day is here and with it the greening of food, beer and apparel. Everyone is a little Irish on St. Patrick's Day and there are a variety of events for Valley residents of all ages to participate in this holiday weekend. Celtic Family Night at the Carnegie The ...

March 12, 2013 | STAFF REPORTS Turlock Journal | Lifestyle


Jennifer Lawrence highlights an Oscar night full of ups and downs

Jennifer Lawrence is a live wire. The "Silver Linings Playbook" Oscar winner livened things up back in the press room Sunday night after winning her award as Best Actress. As those who watched the 85th Academy Awards show know, Lawrence tripped and fell on her way up the steps to retrieve her statuette. A reporter with a thick accent asked her what happened and if she meant to do that. "Was it on ...

February 26, 2013 | BY MARILYN BECK AND STACY JENEL SMITH Creators Syndicate | Lifestyle


Let the pros dress this season's star — the Christmas tree

For some, decorating a Christmas tree in their living room is one of the hallmarks of the holiday season. But for others, the actual process of figuring out the perfect placement of ornaments, lights and tinsel can be a real hassle. One Turlock store offers help for those looking to make the star of most holiday decors - the Christmas tree- a show stopper. "We offer fresh eyes to get a new ...

December 04, 2012 | Nancy Angel | Lifestyle


Local dancers prepare for Holiday Bowl appearance

The youth dancers of Fantazia Dance Productions received an early present this holiday season when they learned that they were accepted to dance during the Holiday Bowl in San Diego. Before the college level super bowl game the dancers will take part in the Big Bay Balloon Parade after taking master dance classes in San Diego. The girls will get a chance to strut their stuff, and perform before thousands of people during ...

November 21, 2012 | Brooke Borba | Lifestyle


The Christmas cheer challenge

The Christmas spirit is supposed to be that feeling of goodwill, generosity, and kindness to all around you. So, why does it seem that in some years the Christmas spirit feels more like a case of ill-humor, anxiety and annoyance? In all the hustle and bustle that comes with the holiday season, it's easy to lose that sense of enjoyment and wonderment that seemed to surround the holidays as a kid. Last year my family ...

November 06, 2012 | Sabra Stafford | Lifestyle


Chefs spice up chicken in cooking contest

For the third year, Foster Farms put the call out to local chefs seeking the most innovative recipes they could come up with using that ever-popular main dish - chicken. Nearly 1,200 home, amateur and professional chefs residing in California, Oregon and Washington submitted their prized, original, fresh chicken recipes for consideration. Two contestants, Jackie Dodd and Merry Graham, both used fresh ingredients grown in the Golden State to win the California Regional ...

September 17, 2012 | Staff Reports TURLOCK JOURNAL | Lifestyle


Assyrian food feature of local festival

Area residents were offered an introduction to Mediterranean food and culture during the 5th annual Food Festival held at Saint Matthew Assyrian Chaldean Catholic Church on Saturday and Sunday in Ceres. The festival ran 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days and offered free admission, raffle prizes, folkloric dances, live entertainment and a kids' bounce house. The church sold Mediterranean foods, including kabobs, chicken kabobs, Shawerma, Tabouleh, Bourak, Dolma and pastries. "It went fairly ...

September 11, 2012 | BY JEFF BENZIGER TURLOCK JOURNAL | Lifestyle


Which of this year's new crop of talk shows has staying power?

Five - count 'em - five new talk shows are competing for viewer attention this season - the second wave of the "Who can ever replace Oprah?" quest for the grail that began last year. This week, Steve Harvey launched his new NBC show. Sept. 10 will bring the launches of Katie Couric's, Ricki Lake's and Jeff Probst's chat fests. And come Oct. 1, the Hallmark Channel will bring us Marie Osmond. Of last ...

September 04, 2012 | BY MARILYN BECK AND STACY JENEL SMITH Creators Syndicate | Lifestyle


'Ruby Sparks': An Indie gem with Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan

"Ruby Sparks" is a clever riff on the ancient Pygmalion story. Here, instead of a sculptor, the protagonist is a blocked writer, whose lonely existence is transformed when the central character in the book he's working on suddenly comes to life. The movie is a glowing fantasy that approaches perfection in its character detail and its unlabored comic style -- and in the way it subtly develops dark themes of creativity and control as ...

July 31, 2012 | BY KURT LODER Creators Syndicate | Lifestyle


Local bakers share secret to pie success

Who doesn't love a warm pie made from scratch and baked until perfection? It's ideal for family gatherings, holiday, or simply a midnight snack. Whether you like old-fashioned apple pie, cream or custard pie, it takes the right ingredients and the right person to bake the ideal pie. "A pie tastes the best when it is made from home and every ingredient is made from scratch," said Erin Sprandin. Sprandin, 21, will ...

July 11, 2012 | Nancy Angel | Lifestyle


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