2019 February Colony Magazine

ATASCADERO | SANTA MARGARITA | CRESTON | YOUR HOMETOWN MAGAZINE 

FEBRUARY 2019 

Jeannie 

Malik 

ATASCADERO'S CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 

Runnin’ Strong 

No. SLO County’s Best Running Events 

2019 Chamber Awards 

Citizen • Community Service 

Business • Lifetime Member 

Ambassador • Entrepreneur 

Health, Wellness & Fitness 

Taking Care of You 

in So Many Ways 

COLONYMAGAZINE.COM

March 21, 22, 23, 2019 - Pavilion on the Lake - 5:30 pm 

Proceeds Benefit 7 Community Non- 

Atascadero Library 

Atascadero AAUW 

Atascadero Kiwanis 

Dinner Show Tickets On Sale Now! 

2019 Theme “Atascadero Time Machine: Back to the 80’s!” 

Diamond Sponsor $10,000 

Opolo Vineyards 

Vicky Morse 

Julie C Fallon MD 

John & Yvonne Webster 

Emerald Sponsor $3,500 

Donna O'Shaughnessy 

Atascadero 76-Don Giessinger 

Awakening Ways Spiritual Community 

Gold+ Sponsors $2500 

Colony Magazine 

Howard Products, Inc. 

Gold Sponsors $2,000 

Rabobank 

Ron & Liz Helgerson 

So Cal Gas 

Atascadero News 

Bill Gaines Audio 

BHE Renewables 

(Ticket Sales Close March 14 at Noon) 

Event is Produced by Jeannie Malik and 

Friends of the Atascadero Library 

Directed By Molly Comin 

2019 Directed DWOS by EVENT Molly Comin SPONSORS 

Silver Sponsors $1,000 

Greg Malik Real Estate 

Bill & Grenda Ernst 

Grigger & Alice Jones 

Eric J. Gobler, Civil Engineering 

Richard & Marguerite Pulley 

Leon & Sandy Fairbanks 

Idler's Home 

LUBE-N-GO 

American Riviera Bank 

K.Jons Diamonds & Gems 

David Burt & Virginia Severa 

El Camino Veterinary Hospital 

County Supervisor Debbie Arnold 

Rob Garcia Wealth Management 

Silver Sponsors $1,000 

Sue Hayes 

DJ Joy Bonner 

KPRL-1230 am 

Highlight Media 

MGE Underground 

The Real Estate Book 

Central Coast Brewing 

Bloom N’ Grow Florist 

Mid Coast Geo Technical 

Central Coast Tent & Party 

Cheryl Strahl Photography 

2019 Community 

Star Dancers, 

Professional 

Choreographers and 

Director Molly Comin

5

FEATURES 

contents 

February 2019 

16 14 

ATASCADERO'S DANCING WITH OUR STARS 

THE STARS, THE DANCERS, THE CHARITIES, AND THE REASON IT ALL COMES TOGETHER 

FOR THE 10TH ANNUAL MAGICAL PRODUCTION 

LOCAL RACES COMING UP 

FROM FUN RUNS TO MARATHONS, MARK 

YOUR CALENDARS AND TIE YOUR SHOES 

DEPARTMENTS 

12 25 31 

SOMETHING WORTH READING 

06 Publisher’s Letter 

ROUND TOWN 

08 Colony Buzz 

10 Santa Margarita: Health & Happiness 

COLONY PEOPLE 

12 Jeannie Malik: Atascadero's 2018 Citizen of 

the Year 

13 Bobbi Connor: A Natural Alternative 

BUSINESS 

18 Chamber of Commerce Awards 

19 805 Boutiques 

TENT CITY 

20 Building a LIGHTHOUSE: Atascadero 

Greyhound Foundation Begins Phase One 

22 Wellness Kitchen Moves, Keeps Serving 

Hugs in a Bowl 

23 Atascadero, After E.G. Lewis 

by Atascadero Historical Society 

24 Is University the Only Path After High School 

by Dr. James Brescia, Ed.D 

25 The Fraud Fable: Local Author Denise Braun 

on Faking It Until You Make It 

26 Atascadero Printery & Tent City Marathon 

27 Natural Alternative: Celebrate Healthy Hearts 

COLONY TASTE 

28 Taste of Americana: JELL-O 

29 Spicing Up Healthy Food by 

EVENTS 

30 Activity & Event Guide 

31 4th Annual Tamale Festival 

LAST WORD 

34 One of the Greatest Places 

ON THE COVER 

Jeannie Malik alongside one 

of her favorite locations, the 

Atascadero Lake 

Photo by Pat Pemberton 

4 | colonymagazine.com Colony Magazine, February 2019

February 2019, Colony Magazine colonymagazine.com | 5

Something Worth Reading 

ATASCADERO • SANTA MARGARITA • CRESTON 

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 

Nicholas Mattson 

PUBLISHER, OPERATIONS 

Hayley Mattson 

LEAD AD DESIGN 

Denise McLean 

LAYOUT & DESIGN 

Travis Ruppe 

EDITOR, LAYOUT & DESIGN 

Luke Phillips 

PREPRESS PRODUCTION 

Sue Dill 

CONTRIBUTORS 

Meagan Friberg 

Mark Diaz 

Simone Smith 

Barbie Butz 

Heather Young 

Sarah Pope 

Pat Pemberton 

Tom O'Brien 

Dr. James Brescia, Ed.D 

Cassandra Frey 

AD CONSULTANTS 

“Magazine Mama” Millie Drum 

millie@pasomagazine.com 

Pam Osborn 

pam@pasomagazine.com 

Jamie Self 

jamie@pasomagazine.com 

Karli Twisselman 

karli@pasomagazine.com 

Carmen Kessler 

carmen@pasomagazine.com 

John Lozano 

john@pasomagazine.com 

Dana McGraw 

dana@pasomagazine.com 

VOLUME I | NUMBER 8 

CONTACT US 

(805) 391-4566 

colonymagazine.com 

publisher@colonymagazine.com 

MAIL: P.O. Box 3996 

Paso Robles, CA 93447 

OFFICE: 1244 Pine St. Suite 204 


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local people, Nicholas & Hayley Mattson 

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“I walk every day, and I look at 

the mountains and the fields and 

the small city, and I say: ‘Oh my 

God, what a blessing.’ Then you 

realise it’s important to put it in 

a context beyond this woman, 

this man, this city, this country, 

this universe.” 

— Paulo Coelho 

Are we there yet? Sometimes, 

the federal government 

has me feeling like 

I’m in the back seat of the station 

wagon and the parents are having 

that argument about directions. 

Do all roads lead to Rome? Or 

home? Or … are we there yet? 

I hope you all are feeling the 

love. It is time to love something and keep a good thing going in 2019. 

It doesn’t have to be that Eros love. Maybe it is just loving you. So our 

February issue is partly dedicated to loving ourselves — health, wellness, 

fitness, and personal growth. It’s hard to fit every topic in, but take a look 

at some of our articles and try something new. If you don’t find what you 

are looking for here, remember to remember … take care of you in the 

way you need to. 

We are really happy with the team coming together here at Paso Robles 

& Colony Magazines. We continue to be blessed with great talent that 

really makes it all come together. We have long-time leaders helping keep 

the ship sailing north, and we have some new fresh ideas and energy. It 

all amounts to more focus on our content, both advertising and editorial, 

and it is proving a success in both accounts. 

We were really excited to hear from Tami Jo at Tooth & Nail Winery 

that they had immediate success with their ad with us in January. We 

also heard that one of our Holiday Gift Guide advertisers, Hope Chest 

Emporium, did a 30% increase year-over-year. And that isn’t all. 

We love being a part of the success of our business community, and 

we really feel strongly about that success continuing in 2019. We are 

confident that it is our team, and our connection to the community, that 

will determine our success — whether the stock market or the federal 

government can figure out what it wants to do, we are going to work to 

make our community and our partners successful. 

Our business is assisting your business, and with a distribution of 

50,000 copies in the North San Luis Obispo County, success is within in 

reach. With our dedication to writing “Something Worth Reading” we are 

always grateful to the community for doing “Something Worth Writing.” 

Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Fuller would be proud of us. 

When we come together on an idea, or a 6- or 12-month marketing 

campaign for our clients, we celebrate the best community in the world, 

and that is what we want glowing from our pages. Keep it going! 

Please enjoy this issue of Colony Magazine. 

Nicholas Mattson 

805-391-4566 

nic@colonymagazine.com 

Editorial Policy 

Commentary reflects the views of the writers and does not necessarily reflect those of 

Colony Magazine. Colony Magazine is delivered free to 15,775 addresses in North San 

Luis Obispo County. Our costs are paid entirely by advertising revenue. Our Local Business 

section spotlights select advertisers, but all other stories are determined solely by our 

editors. Submit ideas, press releases, letters and photos to editor@colonymagazine.com. 

For advertising inquiries and rates email publisher@colonymagazine.com, or 

contact one of our Adversting Representatives listed above. 

If thou wouldest win Immortality 

of Name, either do things worth 

the writing, or write things 

worth the reading. 

— Thomas Fuller, 1727 


By Sarah Pope 

Wtith the holiday frenzy 

now just a speck in 

the rear view, it’s time 

to take ME off the backburner. It’s 

time to upgrade that C25K app on 

my phone and dust off those running 

shoes. I admit it, I have completely 

lost myself in the day-to-day shuffles 

as a mom: laundry, meals, cleaning, 

homework, sports, etc. Of course, I’m 

always at the bottom of my to-dolist, 

if I even make it on the list at all. 

By the time this stuff is done, forget 

it… I’m exhausted. 

I know and understand that selfcare 

is key for not only our own 

well-being, but also for our children. 

When we replenish, it allows us to 

have more energy and patience. The 

two key ingredients to enjoying 

and surviving parenthood. It’s also 

important for your kids to see you 

practicing self care because you’re 

modeling healthy behavior, whether 

it be by exercising or simply committing 

a half hour per night to your 

favorite book. Sounds easy. So, why 

“ Taking good care of 

YOU means the people in 

your life will receive the 

best of you, rather than 

what’s left of you.” 

Carl Bryan 

does it seem so impossible to do? 

Having another little one, a 

bit later in the game, left me in a 

completely different stage of life 

than most of my friends. When I 

would’ve normally been out and 

about for Girls Night Out, I was at 

home (happily) nursing my newborn 

baby boy. It was an adjustment 

that I became way too comfortable 

with. As moms, we tend to feel 

guilty if we spend time away from 

our families, but as I said earlier… 

it’s the best thing we can do for everyone. 

This is the year! Baby steps. 

This is where I plan to start. My first 

goal this year is to schedule (at least) 

one uninterrupted hour with a close 

friend. Go out for a drink, go out for 

a bite, or a walk/hike together. It’s 

about time I catch up with the ones 

I miss the most. 

And to help kick-off my year with 

a self-care mindset, each day I WILL 

start penning in 20 minutes per day, 

just for me: make myself an enjoyable 

drink, go for a walk, paint my 

toenails, or simply sit on the couch, 

put my feet up and close my eyes. It’s 

time to get reacquainted with ME, 

Sarah (not Mommy). Time to treat 

myself with the same love and compassion 

that I treat others. 

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In our ever increasing hightech, 

hurry-scurry world of 

overload, we are constantly 

bombarded with the latest and 

greatest potions, pills, products and 

techniques to cure what ails us both 

mentally and physically, but what 

if increased health and happiness 

could be attained by simply taking 

in the atmosphere of a natural environment? 

Is this possible? YES 

and improved health can be inexpensively 

and easily had by a simple 

stroll on one of our many local 

trails just east of Santa Margarita! 

In the 1980s, a form of nature 

therapy called Shinrin-yoku (aka 

“forest bathing”) was introduced 

in Japan to encourage its citizens 

to make use of miles of wooded 

trails for therapy. Since then, forest 

bathing has increased in popularity 

and has been proven through 

research and scientific studies to 

| Santa Margarita 

On the Trail to Health and Happiness 

have real benefits leading the practice 

to being regarded as a means 

of preventative health care and 

healing in Japanese medicine. 

According to shinrin-yoku.org, 

the scientifically-proven benefits of 

forest bathing include boosted immune 

system functioning with an 

increase in the count of the body's 

Natural Killer (NK) cells, reduced 

blood pressure, reduced stress, 

improved mood, increased ability 

to focus (even in children with 

ADHD), accelerated recovery from 

By Simone Smith 

“What if increased 

health and happiness 

could be attained by 

simply taking in the 

atmosphere of a 

natural environment?” 

surgery or illness, increased energy 

levels, and improved sleep. In 

practice, Shinrin-yoku is a form of 

mindfulness meditation which has 

been separately studied and shown 

to have additional mental and 

physical health benefits. In a recent 

article by Harvard Health*, studies 

on mindfulness have shown similar 

results as well as an increased sense 

of well-being and emotional resilience, 

reduced anxiety, reduction 

of chronic pain, and alleviation of 

gastrointestinal difficulties. 

Shinrin-yoku involves the 

mindfulness techniques of immersing 

yourself in the present 

in a natural environment away 

from distractions (no cell phones, 

no music). To start experiencing 

the potential healing benefits of 

this natural therapy, head out to 

one of our many natural areas 

such as Santa Margarita Lake, 

the Los Padres National Forest 

or even venture out to the Carrizo 

Plain National Monument. 

Simply walk down a trail, quietly 

observe your surroundings, notice 

the terrain and fully engage your 

senses. Notice the sights, sounds 

and smells, engage your sense of 

touch and even your sense of taste 

(if you’re knowledgeable about 

wild edibles). Have fun, be curious, 

encourage friends to join you 

and compare observations. See 

you on the trail! 

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Jeannie Malik Named 

Citizen of the Year 

Dancing With Our Stars leader transformed event 

Two days after Jeannie Malik 

was officially recognized as 

Atascadero’s Citizen of the 

Year, tickets went on sale for her 

wildly successful “Dancing with 

Our Stars” charity event. 

One of the most popular charity 

events in the county, “Dancing 

with Our Stars” has grown considerably 

under Malik and was a 

significant factor in the Atascadero 

Chamber of Commerce’s decision 

to honor her. 

“Its success is a testament to 

Jeannie’s vision and tireless work 

to expand the event and keep it 

fresh for all involved,” said John 

Donavon, chairman of the board 

of directors. “Atascadero’s rise over 

the last few years can be attributed 

to a lot of people and a lot of 

things taking place, but to have a 

cheerleader in the form of Jeannie 

Malik leading the charge has, in 

my opinion, helped people look 

differently at Atascadero than in 

years past and perhaps even with 

a little envy.” 

The recognition adds to Malik’s 

growing list of achievements — 

from being named Allan Hancock 

homecoming queen to competing 

in a 435-mile bike race with a 

cumulative 30,000-foot climb to 

breaking a world fishing record. 

But this honor is different said 

Malik — also a former Miss California 

Roller Skating Queen. 

“I hesitate to view ‘Citizen of 

the Year’ as an accomplishment,” 

she said. “I didn’t have to run a 

race. It’s more akin to receiving a 

thank you for what I love doing.” 

As noted in Colony Magazine’s 

August profile of Malik, she is 

known for her seemingly boundless 

energy. That’s apparent in her 

volunteer work and her daily walks. 

“I make a point to prepare a 

nutritious breakfast so she can recharge 

after her daily 6 1/2-mile 

walk with Sophie, our Boston 

terrier,” said her husband, Greg, 

whom she met while swimming 

laps at the Kennedy Club Fitness 

Pool — also the site of their wedding 

ceremony. 

During the Jan. 12 Atascadero 

Chamber of Commerce Installation 

Dinner, where Jeannie Malik 

was formally honored, past Citizen 

of the Year Grenda Ernst cited 

Malik’s numerous community volunteering 

efforts, including work 

with Friends of Atascadero Library, 

the Chamber of Commerce, 

local schools, the Boy Scouts and 

more. 

“By way of all these activities, 

Jeannie has reached out and 

touched people in the best of all 

possible ways, whether by moral 

support, financial support, or 

creating a pathway for a dream to 

move forward,” said Ernst, who 

nominated Malik for the award. 

“Her good heart and gentle manner 

inspire others to want to be 

like her, but her friends know that 

she also has a spine of steel under 

By Patrick Pemberton 

Jeannie Malik, 1978 Miss 

California Roller Skating Queen 

“We have so many deserving people 

in this community. I feel like I am 

the face of many. I would not be a 

recipient of this honor if not for the 

many citizens I unite with to ensure the 

success of projects and events.” 

that kind exterior and that she has 

an unerring instinct for what is the 

right and the good thing to do.” 

Ernst also noted the success 

of “Dancing with Our Stars,” a 

community charity event modeled 

after the popular TV show 

“Dancing with the Stars.” Malik 

first participated in the event as a 

dancer in 2011, then became the 

chair, working on the event yearround 

in 2012. 

This year’s benefiting charities 

were chosen in June, Malik said, 

and community stars were paired 

with professional choreographers 

in July. 

“Some community star dancers 

have been learning their dance 

routines since August,” Malik 

said. “We’ll host three rehearsals 

and three full dinner shows March 

21, 22, and 23 at the Pavilion 

on the Lake.” 

She expects each night to sell 

out for the event, which will benefit 

seven local nonprofits. The 

‘80s-themed event will feature 

40 dancers and will be hosted by 

Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin 

and Joel Mason, a professional Las 

Vegas entertainer. 

Greg Malik thinks part of the 

event’s success is attributed to recruiting 

a diverse group of talented 

people — and getting more people 

involved. The number of nonprofits 

benefiting from the event has 

also grown. 

“Jennie has a genuine desire to 

help others,” Greg said. 

While Jeannie Malik knows the 

role she has played in Atascadero, 

she doesn’t claim all the credit. 

“We have so many deserving 

people in this community,” she 

said. “I feel like I am the face of 

many. I would not be a recipient 

of this honor if not for the many 

citizens I unite with to ensure the 

success of projects and events.” 

When she’s not volunteering 

in the community, she works as 

the marketing manager for Greg 

Malik Real Estate Group. But her 

biggest achievement, she said, is 

raising three children. While those 

children are now grown, Malik’s 

extended family is Atascadero 

itself, where she has lived for the 

past 25 years. 

“It is a privilege to live in such a 

desirable spot in the world and in 

a community with such remarkable 

people,” she said. “Our town really 

is the gem of the Central Coast.” 


BOBBI CONNER ANSWERS YOUR BIGGEST HEALTH QUESTIONS 

Find your go-to team at The Natural Alternative Nutrition Center in Paso Robles 

By Cassandra Frey 

Master herbalist and 

Clinical Nutritionist 

Bobbi Conner of 

Paso Robles is passionate about 

her role in helping the community 

thrive, become healthy, and 

find balance. Conner founded 

the Natural Alternative Nutrition 

Center in Paso Robles in 

1995, after graduating from Trinity 

College of Natural Health as a 

Master Herbalist. She continued 

her education with the American 

Academy of Nutrition as a board 

certified Nutrition Consultant, 

and she continues her education 

in clinical nutrition and functional 

medicine by regularly attending 

seminars throughout the year. 

“Becoming a nutritionist was 

necessary,” she said. “To share my 

experience and knowledge with 

“With my detox /weight 

loss programs, my 

clients report weight 

loss averaging 10-20 lbs 

with renewed energy, 

mental clarity, and a 

foundation for 

healthier eating habits.” 

others who want to improve their 

own health.” 

Conner admittedly wasn’t always 

in the best health, she shared, and 

as a young woman she realized her 

passion for finding a natural approach 

to healing. 

“As I reached my twenties, my 

health was not as optimal as I 

would have liked, so I began studying 

nutrition and the importance of 

food as medicine,” Conner said. “I 

wanted to learn how supplements 

would help support my high-stress 

lifestyle.” 

Conner remembers growing 

up eating whole foods at 

her family’s dinner table, which 

helped to set the stage for a successful 

and healthy lifestyle. 

“I always seemed to be fighting 

various viruses as I grew up, 

and antibiotics were routine in 

my life,” she said. 

She noticed an increase in her 

energy, vitality, and a remarkable 

improvement in her immune system 

just by making simple changes 

to her diet and lifestyle, leading her 

to open The Natural Alternative 

Nutrition Store in 1995. 

“I have met with individuals wanting 

to not only achieve a healthy 

weight, but also improve their cardiovascular 

health, sleep better, improve 

digestion and much more,” she said. 

“With my detox/weight loss programs, 

my clients report weight loss 

averaging 10-20 lbs. with renewed 

energy, mental clarity, and a foundation 

for healthier eating habits.” 

Conner and her team strive to 

educate their customers, helping 

them to make the proper dietary 

and lifestyle changes to achieve 

optimal wellness. Her message is 

simple, “Change your diet, exercise 

daily, and practice disease prevention, 

that’s the Natural Alternative.” 

This year in April, The Natural 

Alternative Nutrition Center celebrates 

its annual customer appreciation 

day, which is their way of 

saying thank you to the community. 

“I am proud of my team, and I love 

to serve the community in such a 

wholesome way,” Conner said. 

To find out more about upcoming 

classes or to subscribe to 

The Natural Alternative’s newsletter, 

visit naturalalternativenc.com. 

BigJohnInsurance.com 

Home • Auto • Life • Bank • Financial Services 


OF THE NORTH COUNTY 

The Buzz Marathon 

in San Miguel 

Runners will take to the trails 

on the historic Camp Roberts 

Army National Guard Reservation 

in San Miguel on February 16. The 

19th Annual Buzz Marathon is a 

Boston Qualifier and features an 

out-and-back course on paved 

road with dirt and packed gravel 

shoulders. The course features rolling 

hills and breathtaking views of 

oak-studded hillsides, the Salinas 

and Nacimiento Rivers, and Central 

Coast wildlife. In the past, the 

race has been likened to a trail run, 

according to the event’s organizers. 

Child care is available by request. 

The base museum and annex will 

be open during the race with some 

military vehicles for public viewing. 

All proceeds go toward funding 

the athletic programs at Lillian 

Larsen Elementary School. 

Race Details: 

Date: February 16 

Register here: runsignup.com/Race/ 

Register/?raceId=7838 

Cost: $75 marathon, $65 half, $40 

10K, $25 5K, $10 Under 12 Mile 

Jonathan Dolan, Pepe Gonzalez, Stan Packer, Matt Shuck 

Photo by Nicholas Mattson 

Where: Camp Roberts 

Website: buzzmarathon.org/ 

Hares 'N' Hounds 

5K and Fun Run 

The Atascadero Greyhound 

Foundation presents the all-ages, 

family friendly Hares ‘N’ Hounds 

5K and Fun Run on March 2. The 

money raised will help the organization 

fund its community-based 

programs and yearly operations. 

Local organizations are encouraged 

to use the event for their 

own fundraising efforts through 

individual and group sponsorships. 

The 5K course is a “certified loop 

run” that starts and finishes at the 

same spot at Atascadero Lake. The 

1-Mile and 1/2-Mile runs are out 

and back from the same start as 

the 5K. There are no road closures 

so good traffic awareness is important. 

Race Details: 

Date: March 2 

Register here: active.com/atascadero-ca/running/distance-running-races/hares-n-hounds-5k-and-fun-runs- 

2019?int=72-3-A1 

Cost: 5K $30; 1-mile run $15; Halfmile 

run $15 

Where: Atascadero Lake Park 

Website: atascaderogreyhoundfoundation.org/haresnhounds.html 

Montaña de Oro 

Trail Run 

Strike your feet against gold 

on March 9 at Pacific Coast Trail 

Runs’ Montaña de Oro Trail 

Run. Jog in full stride through 

a mix of rugged, rocky cliffs, 

coastal plains, sandy beaches and 

streams. The start/finish line for 

all distances will be at Spooner’s 

Cove Beach. This year, the 

race will feature the brand new 

“Three Peaks” course, named after 

Hazard, Valencia, and Oat’s 

peaks. Take in some epic views 

of the Pacific Ocean, nearby 

beaches, and Morro Bay before 

crossing the finish line. Then 

settle in for post-race barbecue 

that offers tacos, fajitas, sliders, 

and more. 

Race Details: 

Date: March 9 

Register here: ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=62601 

Cost: $109 50K, $99 36K, $65 

Half-marathon, $55 12K, 

Where: Montaña de Oro State Park 

Website: pacificcoasttrailruns.com/ 

event-calendar 


Wine Country Runs 

Half Marathon 

Run/Walk and 5K 

There’s stomping good fun along 

the Salinas River on March 31 at 

the annual Wine Country Runs 

Half Marathon & 5K. The event 

benefits North San Luis Obispo 

County charitable organizations 

and youth sports. Run next to row 

after row of wine grapes along 

Buena Vista Drive and Circle B 

Road. Each participant will receive 

a Tech-Fabric T-shirt, breakfast 

and goodie bag. All half-marathon 

runners and walkers that 

complete the course will receive a 

medal and commemorative wine 

glass. The half-marathon and 5K 

are presented by IQMS Manufacturing 

Software, Cass Vineyard 

and Winery, and La Quinta Inns 

and Suites. 

Race Details: 

Date: March 31 

Register here: active.com/paso-robles-ca/running/distance-running/ 

wine-country-runs-half-marathonrun-walk-and-5k-2019 

Cost: Half $75; 5K $40; Kids Grape 

Stomp $20 

Where: CaliPaso Winery 

Website: winecountryruns.com 

Tent City 

Marathon 

The Atascadero Printery Foundation’s 

Tent City Marathon is set 

to attract a variety of competitive 

and fun runners on April 7. The 

event will serve as a fundraiser 

for the foundation’s efforts toward 

preserving and rehabilitating 

Atascadero’s historic Printery 

Building into a community center 

for the Arts and Sciences. Participants 

will be treated to free race 

photos, “finishers beer or cupcakes," 

on-course entertainment, multiple 

on-course aid stations, and a racers 

“TLC” tent for Post Mileage Yoga, 

foam roller area, and massages. The 

race expo at Atascadero’s Sunken 

Gardens will offer local beer, good 

eats, and the latest in running and 

fitness resources. 

Race Details: 

Date: April 7 

Register here: active.com/atascadero-ca/running/distance-running-races/tent-city-marathon-2019 

Cost: Marathon $90; Half $75; 10K 

$55; 5K $45; Fun Run $40 

Where: Sunken Gardens 

Website: tentcitymarathon.com 

11th Annual 

Paso Robles Dog Jog 

You and your furry, four-legged 

friends are invited to join Sherwood 

Dog Park volunteers on 

a 2K, 4K, or 10K jog or walk 

through the lush Vina Robles 

Vineyard at the 11th Annual Dog 

Jog on Saturday, May 4. After the 

jog, listen to live music as you enjoy 

lunch, wine tasting and tour 

the event expo comprised of local, 

dog loving vendors, silent auction 

and dog contests. Participation in 

this fundraiser is a great way to 

“actively” help support the ongoing 

maintenance and improvements 

for the Sherwood Dog Park located 

in Paso Robles. Registration 

for this event is already open. 

Race Details: 

Date: May 4 

Register here: parks4pups.org or 

call (805) 239-9326 

Cost: $30 pre, $35 day of event 

Where: Vina Robles Vineyard 

Website: parks4pups.org 

Miracle Miles 

For Kids 

The Family Care Network presents 

Miracle Miles for Kids on 

May 11. The 10K (6.2) mile race 

course runs along the water’s edge 

from Morro Rock to Cayucos Pier. 

All money raised from the event 

will go toward foster care children 

in San Luis Obispo and Santa 

Barbara County in need of support 

and services. Around 2,000 

at-risk children, youth and families 

are served by the Family Care 

Network annually and Miracle 

Miles helps support those efforts. 

One-way transportation for participants 

will be provided by shuttles 

from the finish line area near 

the Vet's Hall parking lot back to 

the start line area in Morro Bay. A 

Bag Drop will be available at the 

start line area for participants to 

place belongings. All participants 

will be treated to a post-race party 

with live music, breakfast, and 

vendor fair. 

Race Details: 

Date: May 11 

Register here: Coming soon 

Cost: Coming soon 

Where: Starts at Morro Rock, end at 

Cayucos Pier 

Website: mm4k.com 

LIGHTHOUSE 5K 

Benefit Fun Run 

and Family Day 

The LIGHTHOUSE 5K Benefit 

Fun Run and Family Fun 

Day will feature an amazing race 

course for runners and walkers. 

Participants may choose to run or 

walk this challenging 5K course 

through the vineyard. There will 

be a kids 1/2 mile race following 

the finish of the 5K run as well as a 

100-yard dash for those age 6 and 

under. Enjoy the Family Activity 

Area: bounce house, face painting, 

and crafts. Stay for the raffle 

prizes, breakfast burritos and rock 

out to music from DJ Guy Cooper. 

The Pomar Junction Tasting Room 

will also be open to the public. 

Race Details: 

Date: June 1 

Register here: Coming soon 

Cost: Coming soon 

Where: Pomar Junction Vineyard 

and Winery 

Website: LIGHTHOUSEatascadero. 

org 


ATASCADERO'S 

DANCING 

WITH OUR 

STARS! 

Head back in time to the '80s! 

By Heather Young 

The Atascadero Dancing With Our Stars 

fundraiser will return to raise money for 

nonprofits around the North County in 

March. The event’s theme of “Time Machine: 

Back to the ‘80s” will come to life on Thursday, 

March 21, Friday, March 22 and Saturday, 

March 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Atascadero Pavilion 

on the Lake. 

While the event started as a major fundraiser 

for relocating the Atascadero library, once the 

funds were raised for that purpose, the event 

was modified to raise money for local nonprofits 

as well as Friends of Atascadero Library. 

“This is our third year sharing this phenomenal 

fundraiser with six participating local nonprofit 

organizations,” Dancing With Our Stars 

Producer Jeannie Malik said. “We continue to 

include two community star dancers representing 

the library to assist with ongoing expenses, 

as in updating furnishings and technology.” 

The dancer who raises the most money is 

named champion of the event.. One dollar 

equals one vote. Votes are cast by putting cash 

or a check into the dancer’s collection container 

or by donating online at FriendsoftheAtascaderoLibrary.org. 

“The stars host fundraising events, preview 

parties, etc,” Malik said. “Each organization 

should have a voting link on their specific website 

for Dancing With Our Stars fundraising. 

Each participating nonprofit has a fundraising 

chairman that organizes the events and helps 

relieve the star of this task so the star can focus 

on their dance routine. All checks are written 

directly to the specific organization.” 

Tickets went on sale in mid-January and are 

expected to sell out quickly. Tickets are $85 per 

person and include wine from Opolo Vineyards, 

beer from Central Coast Brewing, appetizers, 

a buffet dinner catered by Pacific Harvest 

Catering, plated dessert, coffee and the show. 

There will also be a silent auction during the 

event each night. The championship trophies 

will be presented only on Saturday, March 23 

at the conclusion of the show. 

“In addition to the fundraising champions, 

we invite the audience at each show to vote for 

their favorite dancers,” Malik said. “Each night 

we present a People's Choice trophy to the star 

and partner.” 

In 2018, Brenda May and her choreographer 

Brian Reeves were named as Grand 

Champions for raising $30,000. Last year a 

total of $93,000 was raised for participating 

nonprofits. This coming production is the seventh 

for Malik and the first for artistic director 

Molly Comin. 

“Frank Sanchez directed Dancing With Our 

Stars the past four years and brought this event 

to a professional level,” Malik said. Sanchez is 

still very much involved this year as a choreographer 

for two community stars and also a vignette 

dance featuring his granddaughter Mia. 

Malik said that Comin will cast vignette 

dance routines in between the community stars. 

“Many of these vignettes will include professional 

dancers and past community star dancers,” 

she said. 

2019 COMMUNITY STARS: 

Terrie Banish 

Terrie Banish will dance the Charleston with 

choreographer Chris Harmon. Her nonprofit is 

Friends of the Atascadero Library. As a child, 

Banish took ballet and tap 

lessons but did not continue 

it into adulthood. 

Banish is the deputy city 

manager of outreach, 

promotions and events 

for the city of Atascadero. 

She also owns and operates 

boutique winery Black Hand Cellars with 

her husband. Harmon is a dancer and choreographer 

who teaches both dance and high school 

economics. 

Nancy Beckett 

Nancy Beckett will 

dance the Cha Cha 

choreographed by 

Christina Troxel. Her 

nonprofit is Paso Robles 

Youth Arts Foundation. 

Beckett has been dancing 

since she was young 

and has gone from student to performer to 


teacher and then patron of the 

arts. She is on the board of the 

Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation, 

which offers art classes free 

to the community. Nancy and her 

husband Doug own Peachy Canyon 

Winery. Her choreographer is 

Christina Troxel, who is another 

life-long dancer. She has taught 

swing and ballroom dancing at the 

Agricultural Hall in Atascadero. 

Tom Butler 

Atascadero Unified School District 

Superintendent 

Tom Butler 

will present 

a swing 

dance with 

choreographer 

Kara 

Frenzel. His nonprofit is the Greyhound 

Athletic Foundation. He 

made an appearance in the 2018 

Colony Days Parade as part of the 

comedy in the entry on his bicycle. 

He is a member of the Atascadero 

Rotary Club and is on the board of 

directors for the San Luis Obispo 

Museum of Art. Unlike some of 

the other community stars, Butler 

does haven’t any dancing experience. 

His partner will balance his 

lack of dance experience. Frenzel 

is a West Coast Swing champion 

and was recently nominated 

for the California Swing Dance 

Hall of Fame. 

Susan Funk 

Atascadero City Council member 

Susan Funk will perform a 

country 

western 

dance with 

Aaron Avila 

and choreographed 

by 

Laura Slania. 

Funk’s 

nonprofit is 

Atascadero chapter AAUW. The 

funds raised by Funk for AAUW 

will help underwrite the organization’s 

scholarship program. Susan 

and her husband, Gordon, along 

with their college-age son have 

lived in Atascadero for the past 10 

years. Funk is one of newest members 

of Atascadero City Council. 

While Funk does not have a lot of 

dancing experience, she is a singer 

and has sung with the SLO Masters 

Chorale and Canzona. Her 

partner started dancing at The 

Graduate when he was attending 

Cal Poly two decades ago. 

He started dancing when he was 

attending Cal Poly. Slania teaches 

dance and gives private lessons. 

She is also a paralegal and buys 

and sells antiques with Avila. 

Steffi Ketzler 

Steffi Kitzler will dance the 

Samba with professional dancer 

Justin McMillan as choreographed 

by Frank Sanchez. Ketzler’s nonprofit 

is the El Camino Homeless 

Organization. Kitzler is not new 

to Dancing With Our Stars but 

this is the 

first year 

she’s participated 

as a 

community 

star. She 

was born 

and raised 

in Germany 

and moved to the United States in 

2000 and to Atascadero in 2003. 

She became a United States citizen 

in December 2018. She owns 

and operates Baby Seals Swim 

Academy, which provides aquatic 

survival and swim lessons to 

infants and young children. Her 

partner has worked for nonprofits 

around the county doing a variety 

of tasks. He is currently the owner 

of The Ridiculous Fun Camps, a 

party and event rental business. He 

is also writing a “choose your own 

adventure” book for young dancers. 

Jan Lynch 

Jan Lynch will dance East Coast 

Swing with Charlie Bradley, choreographed 

by Frank Sanchez. 

Lynch has lived in Atascadero for 

32 years with her husband, Patrick. 

She’s not a newcomer to dancing. 

She was 

an aerobic 

dance 

teacher for 

many years 

and has taken 

lessons 

in many 

different forms of dance, including 

clogging and line dancing. While 

Lynch is representing the Kiwanis 

Club, the organization will direct 

what money comes in toward the 

Woods Humane Society Education 

Program, which teaches 

children the importance of being 

a responsible pet owner. Her partner 

is a retired bank executive who 

picked up his dancing shoes and 

motorcycle gloves after leaving his 

professional life. Their choreographer, 

Sanchez, has been a part of 

the fundraiser for the last several 

years, serving as director for four, 

and continues on this year. He 

grew up in a large, musical family 

and ballroom dance training in his 

early 20s. 

Karen McNamara 

Karen 

McNamara 

will perform 

a 

Nightclub 

2 Step choreographed 

by Chris 

Harmon. 

Her nonprofit is the Atascadero 

Printery Foundation. Karen is 

one of the founders, and current 

president, of the Atascadero Printery 

Foundation, which is working 

toward rehabilitating the Printery. 

She owns Hope Chest Emporium 

in downtown Atascadero and is a 

Realtor with Classic Coast Realty 

Team of Pacific Home Brokers. 

Karen is also the outgoing chairperson 

of the Atascadero Colony 

Days Committee, and a member 

of the Atascadero Optimist Club. 

Heather Moreno 

Atascadero Mayor Heather 

Moreno will present a freestyle 

dance choreographed 

by Rod 

Ware. Her 

nonprofit 

is Friends 

of the 

Atascadero 

Library. Moreno has participated 

in the fundraiser before. She was 

a community star in 2014 and has 

continued to dance in the show 

each year. She has a background 

in jazz and tap lessons and has 

continued dancing into her adult 

life. Moreno owns Weight Breakthrough 

and was recently sworn in 

as mayor of Atascadero after serving 

as a city council member. Her 

choreographer is a retired firefighter 

and is focusing on dance 

in his retirement. He is a student, 

choreographer and director with 

the San Luis Obispo School 

of Ballet Theatre. 

PAST CHAMPIONS 

2010: 

Jim Lewis with 

choreographer Debi Lewis 

2011: 

Bill White with 

choreographer 

Sharon Davis 

2012: 

Jeannie Malik and 

Jim Patterson 

with choreographer 

Judy Magonacelaya 

2013: 

Dan and Eileen O’Grady 


Frank Sanchez 

2014: 

Rolfe Nelson 

with choreographers 

Leigh Ormonde 

and Chris Harmon 

2015: 

Vicky Morse with 

choreographer Chris Harmon 

2016: 

Mary Kay Mills 


Ernie Gamble 

2017: 

E.J. and Tobi Rossi 


Tracy Rossi 

2018: 

Brenda May with 

choreographer Brian Reeves 


Chamber Recognizes Business Leaders, Board Members 

Mike and Charlotte Byrne 

Geoff & Kate 

Glenn's Rental & Repair 

Farron Walker 

Gary Borjan 

Farron Elizabeth, Glenn's Repair & Rental 

celebrated as outstanding businesses 

While Jeannie Malik 

was the talk of the 

town at the Atascadero 

Chamber of Commerce Annual 

Dinner in January as she 

received the 2018 Citizen of the 

Year award, her grace did not 

overshadow five additional and 

equally-deserving award winners. 

Alongside Jeannie, Mike and 

Charlotte Byrne, Gary Borjan, 

Ray Johnson, Farron Walker, and 

Geoff and Kate Auslen were invited 

on stage to receive awards. 

Mike and Charlotte Byrne 

2018 Community 

Service Award 

Co-founders of the El Camino 

Homeless Organization, or 

ECHO as it is well-known, Mike 

and Charlotte have made a significant 

impact on Atascadero since 

arriving in 1971. 

Both teachers, they brought 

compassion to their jobs and 

that compassion carried on in 

their retirements. Mike taught in 

Special Education at Atascadero 

High School, and Charlotte 

taught Child Development at 

Cuesta College. Before helping 

By Nicholas Mattson 

start ECHO, Mike and Charlotte 

served as volunteers at 

Loaves and Fishes Food Bank. 

In 2018, Mike and Charlotte 

stepped down from the board of 

ECHO, but according to board 

chair Eric Gobler their contributions 

will leave a lasting impact 

on the organization and 

the community. 

Additional 

Awards Included: 

• Gary Borjan, 2018 Ambassador 

of the Year 

• Ray Johnson, 2018 Lifetime 

Member 

• Glenn’s Rental & Repair, 2018 

Business of the Year 

• Farron Walker, owner of Farron 

Elizabeth, 2018 Entrepreneur 

of the Year 

The event also served as the 

2019 Installation Dinner for incoming 

board members and outgoing 

Board Chair John Donovan, 

owner of John Donovan’s 

State Farm Insurance and Financial 

Services, recognized the 

service of the outgoing members. 

“John [Donovan] stepped in as 

the board chairperson on January 

1, 2018,” Kirk said, “and I don’t 

think it is ever easy to step into 

an organization with a brand new 

CEO, but he did so fabulously.” 

At 7’1”, Big John then dwarfed 

the podium, but his sincere humility 

and attitude of service put 

the event in perspective. 

“I would like to thank my board 

of directors from last year for all 

the hard work you did,” “Each one 

of you showed up to the meetings, 

volunteered your time and you 

made the job of chair very, very 

easy. Thank you.” 

Donovan also thanked the 

ambassadors, committee chairs, 

council chairs, volunteers, Kirk 

and the Chamber staff, and the 

membership of the Atascadero 

Chamber of Commerce. 

“Without participation from 

[the members] nothing happens,” 

Donovan said. 

Donovan then introduced 

the outgoing chairpersons, Ray 

Buban, Eric Gobler, Jessica Sohi, 

Ryan McGaughey, and Tim Bauman. 

“Thank you everybody for your 

participation,” Donovan said. “We 

are going to miss you.” 

Then Donovan handed the baton 

to incoming 2019 Chamber 

Board Chair Angela Cisneros, 

manager of K-Jon’s Fine Jewelers. 

“Last year, I stood before you 

and told you that Atascadero is on 

the verge of breaking out,” Donovan 

said. “I don’t think there is any 

doubt that is indeed happening. 

At this time I’d like to introduce 

the chairwoman of the board of 

the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce 

for 2019, Angela Cisneros.” 

“I’m very honored to be your 

2019 chairperson,” Cisneros said. 

“It’s great to be a part of a chamber 

that is evolving. The chamber’s 

vision is for business leaders and 

our business community to succeed.” 

Cisneros announced the 2019 

board, with Tom Jones (PG&E) 

serving as Chair eElect, Phil 

Koziel (Atascadero State Hospital) 

as Vice Chair of Finance, 

Maria Kelly ( JUSTIN Vineyards 

and Winery) as Vice Chair, Donovan 

remaining on as Past Chair, 

and rank and file members Terrie 

Banish (City of Atascadero), Gary 

Borjan (Pacific Premier Bank), 

Jacque Fields (Wild Fields Brewhouse), 

Mike Giancola (Chicago 

Grade Landfill), Sabrina Harper 

(CoastHills Credit Union), Don 

Idler (Idler’s Home), Sean Kennedy 

(Kennedy Club Fitness), Janet 

Wallace (O’Leary Wallace LLP), 

and Zoe Zappas (Z Villages 

and La Plaza). 

For information, go to 

atascaderochamber.org. 

Angela Cisneros 

Tom Jones Phil Koziel Maria Kelly John Donovan 

2019 Executive Board 

Angela Cisneros, Board Chair 

Tom Jones, Chair Elect 

Phil Koziel, Vice Chair of Finance 

Maria Kelly, Vice Chair 

John Donovan, Past Chair 

2019 Board Members 

Terrie Banish • Gary Borjan 

Jacque Fields • Mike Giancola 

Sabrina Harper • Rich Johnson 

Sean Kennedy • Janet Wallace 

Zoe Zappas • Don Idler 


805 Boutiques 

By 

Mark Diaz 

The Business of 

Helping Businesses 

Expos and craft fairs are a common sight 

on the Central Coast, but 805 Boutiques 

brings a new twist on a familiar scene. 

Owner Robin Peterson said she saw an opportunity 

to showcase direct sales and multi-level marketing 

businesses in the community. 

Three years ago, she rented a small venue and sold 

spots where local sellers could share their products. 

Peterson admitted that her business debut produced 

lackluster results. 

“It was terrible, no one showed up,” Peterson said, 

laughing. “But it was a lot of fun.” 

She said that everyone agreed that there needed 

to be more events catering to this specific market. 

The idea and business continued to grow and 

gain recognition. Currently, the events take place in 

Sunken Gardens, located in downtown Atascadero, 

supporting approximately 50 vendors in selling their 

wares. Peterson noted that the City of Atascadero 

made the transition to the outdoor area painless and 

the larger venue allows her to sell booth placements 

at a more competitive level. 

Peterson believes her business helps the community 

by connecting local buyers to local sellers. Direct 

marketing sales generally are limited to the seller’s 

circle of influence — friends, family and co-workers. 

However, 805 Boutiques allows budding entrepreneurs 

the chance to broaden their limited contact 

range and establish a greater clientele base. She believes 

that helping others is just good business sense. 

“There’s more than enough customers,” Peterson 

said. “There’s more than enough opportunity, finding 

our niche and being visible and reaching those 

people is that much easier to do if you are helping 

other people.” 

Apart from being a business owner, Peterson also 

works part-time as a masseuse in a local chiropractic 

office and also homeschools her two children, ages 

2 and 4. 

“I love my kids more than anything,” Peterson 

said. “But being able to help others, specifically being 

able to help other local moms work out a part-time 

job and be able to stay home with their kids more, 

that’s probably my biggest business passion… I think 

that the more parents can be with their kids, the 

better society will be.” 

805 Boutiques plans to host three events at 

Sunken Gardens in 2019; March 16, May 11 and a 

holiday event scheduled in mid-November. All the 

events are free to attend and this year Peterson is 

excited to announce food trucks being added to her 

business expo. 

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/805Boutiques/ 


Building a 

LIGHTHOUSE 

Phase One: Gathering Data and Information 

By Nicholas Mattson 

What was scheduled as an 

8-hour, two-day workshop turned 

into 12 packed hours over three 

days of pointed discussion by more 

than 60 community leaders led by 

DJ Pittenger as the facilitator in 

search of the answer to a burning 

question: In the next 3 to 5 years, 

how LIGHTHOUSE Atascadero 

can contribute to the awareness, 

prevention, education, and intervention 

of addiction. 

LIGHTHOUSE formed in 

2012 in response to an unacceptable 

level of drug overdoses and 

deaths in our local community, 

especially impacting the youth. 

LIGHTHOUSE is a committee 

of the Atascadero Greyhound 

Foundation which specifically 

targets funding for a dedicated 

licensed therapist at Paloma 

Creek Continuation High School. 

Coming into its seventh year, 

LIGHTHOUSE has grown to 

be a massive local resource that 

we don’t have room to describe 

completely here. That growth, led 

the the question, where do we go 

from here? And City Council and 

School Board members, school 

administration, business owners, 

retired police and fire, concerned 

parents and citizens, members of 

other various nonprofit boards, 

chamber of commerce, and a few 

high school students gathered at 

the Atascadero Unified School 

District Office and Pittenger led 

the three-day charge to gather information. 

“One of the things we set forward, 

is that after introductions, 

every voice was equal,” Pittenger 

said. “The participants were able 

to honor that.” 

High school student and 

LIGHTHOUSE Coffee Company 

member Abigail attended all 

three days. 

"I wanted more accessiblity to 

the LIGHTHOUSE program 

even though I'm still a student," 

Abigail said. "I can get the connection 

that some students would not 

get. Involving more kids expands 

the committee, and we get more 

accessibility to the data [we need]. 

We will get there bit-by-bit. It's 

not going to happen all at once." 

At the other end of the age 

spectrum, AUSD board trustee 

and AGF executive director Donn 

Clickard (happy birthday Donn!) 

planned the workshop to engage 

the community in becoming a part 

of LIGHTHOUSE. 

"I wanted more of the community 

to have an idea of what it is 

we are doing, and to contribute to 

what it is we are doing and what 

we are going to do," Clickard said. 

"With the exception of not having 

more students, we hit it in terms of 

a cross section of the community." 

Over three days, the group dove 

into the obstacles that need to be 

faced in order to make LIGHT- 

HOUSE more effective in the local 

fight against addiction. Colony 

Magazine will follow this story as 

the action plan develops. 

We are looking at another three 

hours and we will have what we 

wanted,” Pittenger said, “an action 

plan for the next 3 to 5 years with 

a 1-year focus and something they 

can do in the next 90 days.” 

To contact LIGHTHOUSE 

or the Atascadero Greyhound 

Foundation, go to atascaderogrey 

houndfoundation.org. 

20 | colonymagazine.com COLONY Magazine, February 2019

Hares N Hounds 5K 

Runnin' for more than 20 years! 

Enjoy a beautiful run on a USATF Certified 

course around the Atascadero Lake, led by 

K-Man himself on bike — Keith Schmidt. 

Also enjoy our 1-mile and 1/2-mile FUN RUNS, awards 

and raffles, and LIGHTHOUSE Coffee and refreshments. 

LIGHTHOUSE 

COFFEE 

By the Cup: 

Outlaw's Steakhouse 

Race-day Registration begins 

A Town Diner 

at 6:45 am 

By the Bag: 

• 5K begins at 8 am 

Atascadero Chamber of Commerce 

Atascadero Bistro 

• 1-Mile at 8:45 am 

Gatherings Thrift 

• 1/2-Mile at 9 am 

Joebella 

See haresnhounds.org to register 

Get Some! 

RAFFLE PRIZES FUN RUNS! AWARDS for ALL AGES 

www.AtascaderoGreyhoundFoundation.org 

Atascadero Greyhound Foundation is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) organization 

ORDER ONLINE! 

lighthouseatascadero.org 

February 2019, COLONY Magazine colonymagazine.com | 21

The Wellness Kitchen Moves Ahead 

CONTINUING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY 

Local nonprofit in recovery mode after temporary setback due to fire 

By Meagan Friberg 

When the staff and volunteers of The 

Wellness Kitchen and Resource 

Center learned of a fire in their 

building on October 21, 2018, their immediate 

concern was how they would manage to provide 

healing foods to those in critical need in our 

local community. Despite the setback, which included 

smoke and water damage, the non-profit 

organization is carrying on and isin some ways, 

stronger than ever. 

“The greatest upset wasn’t as much the building 

or the cleanup,” said Executive Director 

Gina Grieb, “but the inability to serve those 

individuals’ lives that rely on us for our healthy 

nutrient-rich meals each week. The good news is 

we were able to resume our weekly therapeutic 

nutrition program starting December 3 thanks to 

the use of a commercial kitchen by the generous 

folks of Atascadero Bible Church. Combined 

with an offer by the people of Fig at Courtney’s 

House in Templeton, we also have a temporary 

distribution location in North County.” 

Knowing they are now able to continue with 

their mission and make a huge impact in the 

lives they serve has been a tremendous relief to 

Grieb, the staff, and the 55 active volunteers of 

The Wellness Kitchen. 

“The response from the community has just 

been phenomenal,” said Grieb. “We have received 

donations from a variety of businesses 

and individuals, we have more people asking 

to volunteer, and our administration offices are 

able to run thanks to the Dusi Family sharing 

their warehouse with us. It really is a collaborative 

effort and we can’t take full credit – we have 

an amazing community supporting us.” 

The fire also forced the closure of The Wellness 

Kitchen’s storefront and weekday lunch 

counter. The primary support for the nonprofit, 

according to Grieb, will be their weekly pre-order 

service of Healing Foods, Wellness Foods, 

broths, soups, and Healing Tea. 

“The funds that we have been losing will have 

to be recouped and the pre-order service is one 

way the community can help us,” said Grieb. 

Funds from weekly orders and participation 

in the 2019 Top Chef Competition events will 

help support the Pay It Forward Program; 

Healthy Cooking Programs for Kids, Teens and 

Adults, and The Wellness Kitchen’s Operation 

Sustainability. 

“What happened was just a temporary setback 

and we are going to overcome this,” said 

Grieb. “We are continuing to thrive and make 

a difference.” 

For more information, to order meals, or 

register for events, visit thewkrc.org. 

The Wellness Kitchen 

Weekly Pre-Order Service 

Healing Foods • Wellness Foods 

Broths • Soups • Healing Tea 

Place orders by midnight Sunday at 

TheWKRC.org/menu 

See website for pick-up locations, days, and times 

- Deliveries to the housebound as usual - 

Traditional 

Chinese Medicine 

Acupuncture 

Herbs • Cupping 

Gua-sha • Qigong 

P O S I T I V E • U P L I F T I N G • C O M P A S S I O N A T E 

Y O U B E L O N G H E R E ! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

805-481-1035 

www.branchesofwellnessacupuncture.com 

 

() 

 

 

M E N T I O N T H I S A D A N D 

Y O U R F I R S T C L A S S I S F R E E ! 

8 0 5 . 8 8 8 . 9 1 8 8 


ATASCADERO'S BEGINNING: The Planned Civic Center Part 2 

This is the Second of a series 

of articles about the original 

civic center planned 

for the colony of Atascadero. 

Atascadero was the first of a series 

of colonies that were planned in the 

name of the Woman’s Republic. In 

the December edition of this magazine, 

we had presented a sketch of 

the Atascadero Civic Center that 

was published in the Atascadero 

Bulletin #3, dated June 1913. E.G. 

Lewis published a total of nine Bulletins 

and used them as advertising 

as well as status reports on the development 

of Atascadero. They were 

distributed worldwide and many 

foreign nationals settled in the area 

as a result of these Bulletins. 

By Atascadero Historical Society Volunteers 

For this edition, we are going to 

do something a bit different. In the 

Atascadero Bulletin #4, dated February 

1914, there is a very detailed 

sketch representing a “Birdseye of 

the Civic Center Group, Atascadero 

Calif.” In 1914, there were grand 

plans for Atascadero. Not only a 

civic center to be envied, but an 

industrial district carefully thought 

out to the finest detail. Future articles 

will explore in detail some of 

the buildings shown and described 

in the sketch and its caption. 

The rest of this column presents 

the view and its caption in its entirety 

(spelling and punctuation 

are exactly as presented in the 

original caption). 

BIRDSEYE OF THE CIVIC CENTER GROUP, ATASCADERO, CALIF. 

This sketch of the Civic Center group of the Atascadero Colony, 

made from a hill on the opposite side of the State Highway which 

crosses the entrance plaza of the group, just to the left of the 

fountain shown in the foreground, gives some idea of the general 

appearance and effect of this fine grouping of all the civic, 

social, educational and administrative buildings as they will be 

when completed. In one beautiful valley, on the eastern center of 

the great estate, convenient to all parts of its forty square miles of 

orchards, groves, farms and gardens, and immediately surrounded 

by the restricted private residence section of the colony. In the 

immediate foreground, is shown the magnificent fountains which 

will ornament the entrance plaza facing the State Highway and in 

front of the Administration Building. Between the Administration 

Building and the Opera House shown in the background, is the 

large sunken garden of the central plaza, five hundred feet long. 

At the left, approached by a series of gentle terraces, is seen the 

Department Store, 425 feet in length. Opposite the Administration 

Building and facing the sunken gardens, is the Opera House, while 

at the right of the central plaza is shown the group of Educational 

Buildings of the Colony, the Graded and High Schools, the Agricultural 

College, the Conservatory of Music. the Art Academy, 

etc. At the extreme right, on the foot of Pine Mountain, ls shown 

the hotel, Atascadero Inn, while in the distance, also on a foothill 

of Pine Mountain, is seen the Permanent Residences Apartments 

Building. In the background, at a short distance back or the Opera 

House, is seen the new railroad depot of the Southern Pacific main 

coast line, which crosses the lower end of the Civic Center Valley. 

ln the right foreground is seen Atascadero Creek, crossed by the 

new $10,000 concrete span bridge now being constructed by the 

county. The Civic Center Valley occupies a space of approximately 

one hundred acres, at the foot of the great central valley of the estate, 

being laid out in flower seed farms, and is being designed as 

the center of the entire social, commercial and administrative life of 

the colony. The Civic Center group of buildings. when completed, 

will have cost approximately $1,500,000. Immediately surrounding 

the Civic Center, approximately two thousand acres have been laid 

out as a highly restricted private residence section, in which some 

twenty-eight miles of streets and roads, shaded by stately liveoaks 

and in some parts with large Washington Robusta Palms, have 

been cut and graded. This restricted residence section comprises 

the first unit of construction, and will be completely sewered and 

piped with water mains, with high pressure mains in the Civic Center 

for fire protection. It is conceded that the Civic Center group of 

the Atascadero Colony will be one of the finest groupings of public 

and semi-public buildings in America. The style of the buildings 

adopted by the architects, Bliss & Faville, is pure Italian throughout, 

the buildings being faced with a cream or buff brick and terra 

cotta with tile roofs. Connected with the Civic Center by the traffic 

way along its northern side, will be, throughout the entire colony. a 

number of local centers with their local buildings, while below the 

Civic Center and directly on the main line of the Southern Pacific 

Railroad, and entirely concealed from the Civic Center, has been 

located another group of buildings constituting, when completed, 

the industrial and manufacturing center of the colony, where will 

located the canning, preserving and cold storage warehouses, and 

all manufacturing industries. 


Is University the Only Route After High School? 

James J. Brescia Ed.D 

SLO County 

Office of Education 

Superintendent 

The question we should 

be asking is “How do 

we best prepare students 

for life after high school graduation? 

Last year I was fortunate 

to be invited to present some of 

my current educational research 

at a symposium hosted by Cambridge 

University in the United 

Kingdom. In 2015, I lectured at 

Oxford and was reminded of how 

similar our educational challenges 

are both internationally and 

domestically. At this conference 

I was co-presenting with my colleague, 

Dr. James Gentilucci. Our 

research on “Successful Recruitment 

Strategies for Teachers” was 

commissioned by the California 

County Superintendents Educational 

Services Association. 

We addressed an audience from 

America, Europe, Asia and Africa 

on the importance of thoughtful 

recruitment and retention of educational 

employees. London is 

facing a similar shortage of educators 

as we are in California. 

One path the European, African, 

and Asian countries have already 

implemented is aggressive Career 

and Technical Education (CTE) 

in secondary schools that include 

teacher education. Just a month 

prior to the Cambridge symposium, 

I attended a local conference 

hosted by the California 

Department of Education on the 

importance of CTE pathways 

in our schools. My attendance 

at this conference and the 2015 

Oxford symposium served to 

further strengthen my commitment 

to our county-wide efforts 

in securing CTE funding for local 

schools throughout our county. I 

am honored to have our local assemblyman 

Jordan Cunningham 

and state senator Bill Monning 

also supporting these efforts in 

the state legislature. 

Education in the United States, 

and across the globe, continues to 

experience challenging times. We 

would be wise to remember that 

according to current data one out 

of three Americans (33 percent) 

report attaining a bachelor’s degree, 

and 12 percent reported 

and advanced degree such as a 

master’s, professional, or doctorate 

degree. Almost nine out of 

10 Americans (88 percent) attained 

a high school diploma or 

General Equivalency Diploma 

(GED). Educational attainment 

continues to vary by age, sex, race 

and Hispanic origin, nativity, and 

disability status. While we here 

in America continue to navigate 

our way through federal and state 

mandates that impact our classrooms, 

our leaders must include 

CTE as a piece of the educational 

puzzle. 

Ask a puzzle master and you 

will be advised that instead of 

taking a wild stab at the puzzle, 

see if you can identify a good 

strategy that will lead to an acceptable 

solution. Similar to the 

puzzle master’s advice, I believe 

that CTE is a key piece of the 

educational quest for student success. 

As we face an ever-changing 

Continued on PAGE 27 

Future Careers. Locally Grown. 

"It's been really great learning new 

things, and having a teacher who is 

willing to bring us opportunities like 

this." 

Grace - Student, Templeton High 

School 

www.SLOPartners.org 

Watch the Video @San Luis Obispo County Office of Education YouTube 


DEBUNKING 

The Fraud Fable 

An Atascadero resident is 

helping people start 2019 

by recognizing and overcoming 

the stories that they tell 

themselves that keep them from 

becoming their authentic selves 

with her debut book, “The Fraud 

Fable: How To Be Real When 

You Feel Like a Fake.” The book 

was release in mid-December and 

examines the fables people tell 

themselves, their origins and how 

to change the story for good. 

“When I came up with the idea 

of ‘The Fraud Fable,’ being a therapist 

it’s not about the countless 

stories we tell ourselves, it’s where 

those stories come from,” Braun 

By Heather Young 

said, adding that many of the fables 

we tell ourselves were guided 

by someone who is older and 

wiser, “but many of those gables 

don’t serve us.” 

According to Braun, there 

are a ton of fables people 

tell themselves. 

“The risk of buying into a fable 

[is that] you don’t get to be 

your authentic you,” she said. 

“You’re living someone else’s 

made-up story.” 

As a therapist, Braun saw people 

rewriting their stories but 

because they did not address the 

origin, they fall back into the same 

story. Her book helps people figure 

Denise Braun 

Photo by Heather Young 

out the root of the story and how 

to rewrite it. She said what really 

helps is changing the story in 

the subconscious. So in her book, 

she include hypnosis via exercises. 

There are also audio files that 

go with each exercise that can be 

found on her website. 

“There’s a ton of personal development 

books on the market,” she 

said. “There’s a lot of theory, but 

what do you do?” 

That led to Braun including 

the exercises to help her 

readers work on the origins of 

their fables. Those exercises include 

visualization and deep 

relaxation, which is “the way 

we change our gable, not only 

by reading the book,” Braun 

said. “Hopefully it helps people 

reconsider how they fail to 

be authentic.” 

Braun found herself living a 

life that wasn’t authentic, but it 

wasn’t until her sister, who was 

dying from breast cancer, said 

something that it came to Braun 

that she needed to make a change. 

And she did. 

Her book is for sale on her 

website, therealdenisebraun. 

com, and on Amazon. She kicked 

off the release of her book with 

a book signing at Spa Central 

Coast in downtown Paso Robles 

and has lined up an appearance 

on The Mother Loving Future 

podcast and others. 


THE FIRST PIECE OF ATASCADERO 

It was six thirty on a cold morning late in 

March. It was an eerie scene, with 300 people 

standing in a silent group before a line. 

An ancient brick building loomed to one side, 

overshadowing the scene. Some swung their 

legs and set timers while others gulped down 

a last-minute gel. Most stood in anticipation, 

determination written over their faces, breaths 

producing ghosts in the air. Then the sound: an 

airhorn, unreasonably loud, broke the silence. 

The hushed runners abandoned their positions 

and their silence, breaking into a wild run, many 

whooping with joy. The 2018 Atascadero Tent 

City Marathon looked like any other race but 

differed in a couple of ways. This was its first 

year and it served as a fundraiser for a shabby, 

old brick building known as the Atascadero 

Printery. 

The Printery was built by Atascadero’s founder, 

E. G. Lewis, in 1915 and was the colony’s first 

completed administrative building. The building 

was about 16,000 square-feet and employed 200 

workers. The Printery was the lifeblood of the 

early colony as it produced publications promoting 

Atascadero, encouraging people to move to 

the young community. It was quickly outfitted 

with the largest rotogravure press west of the 

Mississippi River and produced its first issue of 

the Atascadero News in January of 1916. 

Later that year it introduced a novel experiment: 

The Illustrated Review, a magazine of 

photographs instead of words. The first subscription 

price for the Illustrated Review was 

ten cents per year. The magazine sought to accurately 

display life through pictures. So, for its 

first few years, it included pictures of World War 

I. By 1917, nearly one million copies were being 

printed and circulated. This is noteworthy since 

the population of San Luis Obispo County at 

the time was 21,000. The Illustrated Review’s 

fame grew rapidly until it could be bought off of 

the newspaper stands in New York City. 

Because Atascadero’s printing press was the 

only rotogravure press on the west coast, it 

By Joe MacFarlane 

printed a lot of supplemental material for the 

San Francisco Chronicle, the LA Times, and 

Sunset Magazine. As E. G. Lewis’ wife was a 

women’s rights activist, the press also printed 

many bulletins promoting women’s rights. The 

Illustrated Review lost popularity in the early 

1920s, causing the publication to end in 1924. 

The end of the Printery caused the building to 

enter its next phase of use by a variety of owners. 

It was sold to serve as a southern satellite campus 

for an exclusive boys’ prep school. It then 

was used as a junior college for a period until it 

was bought by the Masonic Temple Association 

in 1950. 

For several decades, it was used as the meeting 

place for the Atascadero Masonic Lodge. 

During this time, it served as one of many 

substations for the San Luis Obispo County 

Sheriff ’s Department, provided office space for 

the Atascadero Unified School district, gave 

a photographer a place to live and a studio to 

work, and watched a karate school flourish on 

the old printing press floor. The 6.5 magnitude 

earthquake of 2003 rendered the Printery unsafe 

to occupy, ending the thriving public use of the 

building. 

The Masonic Temple Association had given 

the building to the City a few years before 

the earthquake under the condition that the 

City would continue to provide youth services. 

However, after the earthquake, because of the 

money required to repair the structural damage, 

the Printery remained vacant from that point 

on, quickly becoming a home for pigeons and a 

popular site for vandalism. 

In 2015, the Atascadero Printery Foundation 

was started with a very specific goal: to reclaim, 

rehabilitate, and repurpose the Atascadero 

Printery. In 2016, they managed to buy the 

Printery in an auction with a bid of $300,100. 

The APF is currently in the rehabilitation stage. 

Because of the earthquake, weather, vandalism, 

and fifteen years of disuse, it is estimated that at 

least $6 million is needed to bring the building 

back to full functionality. 

The APF has initiated a number of fundraisers 

to raise this money, chief among these 

being the Tent City Marathon, which will be 

put on a second time in April of 2019. However, 

the APF hopes to raise the bulk of the needed 

funds with grants and bonds from the City and 

state. Already, they have cleared the grounds, 

cleaned the interior, replaced the broken windows, 

installed security cameras to prevent further 

vandalism, and drawn up comprehensive 

architectural plans. 

Many do not see the significance of the Printery 

and see the restoration of the dilapidated 

building as a fool’s errand and a waste of money. 

To this, APF board member Nicholas Mattson 

said, “That old building was the first piece of 

Atascadero.” 

The Printery was completely built before 

Hearst Castle’s construction was started and is 

listed under the National Register of Historic 

Places. The APF’s vision is to restore the Printery 

to be a source of vitality for the community 

and a place for youth to go. And with the addition 

of a planned amphitheater, it will provide a 

venue for theater, concerts, performances, comedy, 

and movie nights. Although it has a long 

way to go before full restoration, the Printery is 

on its way. Soon people will be heading down 

to the Printery for some middle school theater 

or an art gallery. 

Publisher's Note: We thank Joe MacFarlane for 

his interest in local history, and his research into 

the Atascadero Printery Building. We hope that you 

will follow suit and get involved. We need Joes. 


According to the Centers for 

Disease Control and Prevention, 

approximately 610,000 people die 

of heart disease in the United States 

every year. Nearly 735,000 Americans 

have a heart attack each year. 

Did you know that you can support 

heart health with some simple diet 

and lifestyle changes? 

Healthy Fats for a Healthy 

Heart? 

Inflammation in the body can 

damage your blood vessels and lead 

to heart disease and strokes. Omega-3 

fatty acids not only reduce 

inflammation, but are essential for 

maintaining cell membrane health. 

Please note that all Omega 3s are 

THE NATURAL ALTERNATIVE 

NUTRITION CENTER 

CELEBRATE HEALTHY 

HEARTS 

not created equal! Be aware that 

some “cheaper” Omega 3 fish oil 

supplements may in fact be derived 

from “farm raised” fish which has a 

very different fatty acid profile which 

can actually increase inflammation! 

We only carry from the most reputable 

suppliers! 

This month we are spotlighting 

Wholemega, a 100 percent wildcaught 

Alaskan salmon sourced oil. 

In human clinical trials, Wholemega 

decreased arachidonic acid, a 

primary marker for inflammation, as 

well as C Reactive Protein which is a 

key marker for cardiovascular health, 

reduction in LDL (bad cholesterol), 

triglycerides, and total cholesterol. 

Taking Wholemega every day for 

a week provides the same amount 

of Omega 3 fatty acids as eating 3 

servings of Wild Alaskan Salmon! 

Your heart and brain will love it! 

Looking for a natural but effective 

way to support healthy 

cholesterol levels? Try Bergamot, 

clinically-proven to not only 

dampen inflammation but improve 

arterial health while improving 

those important cardio 

markers such as total cholesterol, 

LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels! 

“I’ve been taking Bergamot from 

The Natural Alternative for almost 

2 months and my total cholesterol 

dropped from 270 to 212! NP”. This is 

a “star” supplement for heart health! 

Diet for a Happy Heart 

Super foods that support a 

healthy heart include dark green 

leafy veggies, dark chocolate, berries, 

aged garlic and turmeric. Stop 

by The Natural Alternative for the 

highest quality turmeric, aged garlic, 

dark chocolate, as well as your heart 

healthy supplements! 

Happy Healthy Heart Month! 

Bobbi Conner, CNC, CAN, MH 

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT 

CONSTITUTE DIAGNOSIS, PRESCRIPTION, OR TREATMENT AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED AS 

A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL COUNSELING WITH A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL. 

Continued from PAGE 24 

world, it is important to explore 

avenues that present multiple 

paths for student success. CTE 

curriculum strives to pair academics 

and high-level workplace skills 

necessary for the 21st century. 

Students, administrators, teachers, 

business members, community 

leaders and even politicians have 

endorsed CTE programs. The San 

Luis Obispo County Office of 

Education (SLOCOE) and our 

CTE program, SLO Partners in 

Education (SLOPE) continues to 

engage in discussions and review 

research related to reporting on 

several additional career measurements. 

SLO Partners’ mission is 

to engage business partners and 

educators in aligning workforce 

needs with career and college 

pathways. We facilitate work experience 

opportunities to ensure 

that students have the skills and 

knowledge necessary for success 

in the workplace and businesses 

have the skilled workers required 

for a sound growing economy. 

We continue to work on industry 

certification such as our highly 

successful CompTIA Bootcamps. 

SLO Partners is a regional 

consortium of business, industry, 

education, and community 

leaders committed to working 

together for collective impact in 

workforce and economic development 

by aligning education systems 

and employment programs 

with economic opportunities. As 

we continue to provide additional 

opportunities for our students 

in CTE, I encourage you to learn 

more about our highly successful 

partnership with Cuesta College, 

SLO Partners, our CTE 

programs, and these CTE opportunities 

benefiting our community. 

It is an honor to serve as 

your County Superintendent of 

Schools. 


JELL-O 

DELIGHTS 

By Barbie Butz 

When it comes to branding 

and marketing a 

food product I’d have 

to say that JELL-O wins by 100 

percent! Who doesn’t remember 

growing up with that flavorful, gelatin 

and hearing the JELL-O commercial? 

I ate my share growing 

up--- at home, at church pot-lucks, 

picnics, and even in the hospital. It 

was the first food my mother allowed 

us to eat after we had the flu 

and at that point it tasted almost 

as good as steak — well, maybe not 

THAT good! 

One of Norman Rockwell’s famous 

paintings shows a little girl 

unmolding her JELL-O. Molded 

salads are memorable and nothing 

looks or tastes quite like a beautiful 

gelatin mold, especially those with 

names like Apple Blossom, Ambrosia, 

Gazpacho Salad, or Juicy 

Layered Orange Pineapple. Molds 

offer cooks the opportunity to be 

creative with layers such as a red, 

white, and blue for the Fourth of 

July, a Crown Jewel Dessert full 

of little colorful gelatin cubes, or a 

Rainbow Ribbon Mold made with 

the colors in the rainbow. 

With the necessity for some 

of us to watch our sugar intake, I 

thought I’d include some really delicious 

recipes from one of my old 

JELL-O cookbooks. 

Since coffee desserts seem to 

be popular these days, see if these 

two don’t satisfy your coffee habit! 

They call for JELL-O Pudding & 

Pie Filling. 

CAFÉ LADYFINGER 

DESSERT 

Ingredients: 

- 2 packages (3 ounces each) ladyfingers, 

split 

- 1 cup freshly brewed strong coffee, 

at room temperature, divided 

- 1 package (8 ounces) Philadelphia 

Free Fat Free Cream Cheese 

- 2 cups cold fat free milk 

- 2 packages (4-serving size each) 

JELL-O 

- Vanilla Flavor Fat Free Sugar Free 

Instant 

- Reduced Calorie Pudding & Pie 

Filling 

- 1 tub (8 ounces) Cool Whip Free 

whipped - Topping, thawed, divided 

- Shaved or chopped chocolate for 

garnish 

Directions: 

Brush cut side of ladyfingers 

with about ¼ cup of the coffee. 

Place ladyfingers on bottom and 

up side of 2-quart serving bowl. 

Beat cream cheese and remaining 

¾ cup coffee in large bowl with 

wire whisk until smooth. Gradually 

beat in milk until smooth. Add 

pudding mixes. Beat with wire 

whisk 1 minute or until well blended. 

Gently stir in ½ of the whipped 

topping. Spoon into prepared bowl; 

cover. Refrigerate 1 hour or until 

ready to serve. Top with remaining 

whipped topping. Garnish with 

3 tablespoons shaved or chopped 

chocolate. 

TIRAMISU 

Ingredients: 

- 1 package (3 ounces) ladyfingers, 

split 

- 1 ½ cups cold skim milk, divided 

- 1 container (8 ounces) Philadelphia 

Light Soft Light Cream Cheese 

- 2 tablespoons instant coffee 

- 1 tablespoon hot water 

- 2 tablespoons brandy (optional) 

- 1 package (4-serving size) JELL-O 

Brand 

- Vanilla Flavor Fat Free Sugar Free 

- Reduced Calorie Pudding & Pie 

Filling 

- 2 cups thawed Cool Whip Lite 

Whipped Topping 

- 1 square (1 ounce) Baker’s Semi- 

Sweet Baking Chocolate, grated 

Directions: 

Cut ladyfingers in half horizontally. 

Cover bottom of 8-inch 

springform pan with ladyfinger 

halves. Place remaining ladyfinger 

halves, cut ends down, around sides 

of pan. Place ½ cup cold milk and 

cream cheese in blender container; 

cover. Blend on medium speed until 

smooth. Dissolve coffee in hot 

water. Place in blender container 

with brandy and remaining 1 cup 

cold milk. Add pudding mix; cover. 

Blend until smooth. Pour into 

large bowl. Stir in whipped topping 

immediately. Spoon pudding mixture 

into pan. Refrigerate 4 hours 

or until set. Remove sides of pan. 

Garnish with chocolate. 

This next recipe would be fun for 

Valentine’s Day or President’s Day 

this month. 

VERY CHERRY DESSERT 

Ingredients: 

- 1 ½ cups boiling water 

- 1 package (8-serving size) or 2 packages 

(4-serving size) JELL-O Brand 

- Cherry Flavor Gelatin Dessert, or 

any red flavor 

- 1 ½ cups cold water 

- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling 

- 4 cups angel food cake cubes 

- 3 cups cold milk 

- 2 packages (4-serving size) JELL-O 

Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie 

Filling 

- 1 tub (8 ounces) COOL WHIP 

Whipped Topping, thawed 

Directions: 

Stir boiling water into gelatin in 

large bowl at least 2 minutes until 

completely dissolved. Stir in cold 

water and cherry pie filling. Refrigerate 

about 1 hour or until slightly 

thickened (consistency of unbeaten 

egg whites). Place cake cubes in 

3-quart serving bowl. Spoon gelatin 

mixture over cake. Refrigerate 

about 45 minutes or until set but 

not firm (gelatin should stick to 

finger when touched and should 

mound). Pour milk into large 

bowl. Add pudding mixes. Beat 

with wire whisk 1 minute. Gently 

stir in 2 cups of the whipped topping. 

Spoon over gelatin mixture in 

bowl. Refrigerate 2 hours or until 

set. Top with remaining whipped 

topping and garnish as desired. 

Enjoy! 


Healthy Dishes 

By Jodi Smith of Spice of Life 

Variety is the Spice of Life! Spices and 

herbs can be the foundation of our 

cooking, transforming everyday foods 

into new and exciting culinary adventures. 

The biggest reason we add spices to our food 

is flavor, but spices do more than perk up our 

dishes. High-quality spices are a nutritional 

powerhouse with health promoting benefits. 

Creating healthy and delicious meals flavored 

with spices is an excellent way to reduce calories 

and unhealthy ingredients. Unlike sauces and condiments 

that are generally loaded with calories, 

refined sugar, salt and other processed ingredients, 

spices allow you to boost the taste of your food 

in a healthy way. 

Spices and herbs come from plants, which 

means they are a source of phytonutrients with 

antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

What’s the difference between spices and herbs? 

Herbs are typically the leafy part of the plant 

(parsley, basil, oregano, and bay leaf ) and spices 

come from other parts of the plant such as the 

bark, seeds, stems and roots. Coriander, cumin, 

clove, cinnamon, fennel, and peppercorn are 

examples of spices. 

There are countless ways to vary flavors with 

healthy foods and make it more interesting. 

When time is short and you are pressed for 

time, spices are an easy way to accentuate simple 

whole foods such as fish, vegetables, meat, chicken, 

soups, whole grains, rice and lentils. Using 

good-quality spice blends offers a time-saving 

benefit, providing they are good-quality blends 

not loaded with salt, sugar and preservatives. 

Pulling a healthy meal together can be quick 

and easy and having some of the essentials on 

hand in your kitchen is key. 

Here’s a list of a few basics for your spice cabinet: 

Basil, parsley, paprika, garlic, onion, ginger, 

cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, chili, rosemary, 

smoked paprika (one of my favorites), black pepper 

and pink himalayan salt or sea salt. 

A handful of spices have reached an elevated 

status due to both their incredible flavors as well 

as their potential to decrease inflammation, aid 

digestion, reduce cholesterol, fight cancer and 

boost our immune system. 

Turmeric, typically found in Indian dishes, 

has an intense, bright orange/yellow color with 

mild flavor. Add to rice dishes, curries, marinades, 

eggs, chicken rub, and salad dressing. 

Vegetables such as carrots, squash, cauliflower 

and potatoes work well with a dash of turmeric. 

Adding a pinch of black pepper helps your body 

better absorb the nutrients in turmeric. 

Ginger is an impressive root and a powerhouse 

for both flavor and health. Add fresh or 

dried ginger to everything from soups, stir fry 

dishes, marinades, rubs, and vegetables. Ginger 

can be effective in overall gut health and helps 

your body absorb and assimilate nutrients from 

other foods we eat. 

Cayenne pepper packs a punch of heat as 

well as health benefits. The compound capsaicin 

is responsible for aiding in a variety of health issues. 

Sprinkle cayenne on egg dishes, vegetables, 

soups, marinades, meats, poultry, stews, and more. 

Creating healthy and delicious meals 

flavored with spices is an excellent way to 

reduce calories and unhealthy ingredients. 

Spices you stock in your pantry will depend 

on your taste preferences as well as your comfort 

level in using them. Here are a few ideas of spices 

that characterize different cuisines from around 

the world. For example, Chinese food welcomes 

garlic, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and sesame 

oil. Italian dishes often includes garlic, oregano, 

parsley, rosemary, and fennel seed while Mexican 

cuisine builds flavor from cumin, chilis, 

coriander, oregano, cilantro and various citrus. 

Allowing your taste buds to enjoy the flavor of 

foods by reducing the amount of salt can enhance 

your experience. Over-salted food tends to numb 

our taste buds and subdue our sensitivity to other 

flavors. Check labels at the supermarket, limit processed 

foods that can be loaded with sodium, avoid 

over-processed “table salt” and substitute with sea 

salt or pink Himalayan salt. Fresh lemon juice is 

a wonderful flavor enhancer and a healthier option 

than reaching for the salt shaker. Consuming too 

much salt can cause high blood pressure, stroke, 

heart disease and kidney disease. Substituting 

spices and herbs for salt will uplift your meals and 

transform bland dishes into mouth watering feasts. 

Celebrating healthy ingredients and bringing 

balance and flavor can be magical. Adding 

texture, color and increasing flavors can bring 

healthy food alive. 

805-391-4566 

ads@colonymagazine.com 


| North SLO County Activity & Events Guide 

Special Events 

February 1-2 — The Father Daughter Dance will take place at the 

Atascadero Pavilion on the Lake. February 1 is for those 11-and-under 

from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and February 2 is for those 12-and-up 

from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets not sold at the door. 

Atascadero.org | 805-470-3360 

February 5-March 26 — Body in Balance Tai Chi Gong. Tuesday 

evenings 7 to 8 p.m. Cuesta College North County Campus, eight 

sessions. Register at cuesta.edu/communityprograms. Instructor 

Faye Baker. 

805-238-9770 | faye@counterchanges.com | counterchanges.com 

February 9 — Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre benefit for the 

Atascadero Printery Foundation. Experience a five-course gourmet 

table-served dinner by the one and only Buona Tavola Chef Anthony 

Varia. A perfect Valentine’s date night complete with champagne 

and dessert, $100 per seat. Limited seating. Community 

Church, 5850 Rosario Ave, Atascadero. 

805-466-1961 | atascaderoprintery.org 

February 9 — The Atascadero Chamber of Commerce invites you 

to the Sweetheart Stroll from 1 to 4 p.m. 15 wineries will be pouring 

at downtown locations; complementary tours of City Hall. Tickets 

$20, available at 6500 Palma Ave. 

atascaderochamber.org | 805-466-2044 

February 9 — Big Laugh Live Valentine's Comedy, Magic, and Music. 

Performers include comedians Cash Levy and Dennis Blair, magician 

Justin Rivera, and host Lizette Mizelle. Features live music 

by Ricky Montijo. Beer, wine, appetizers, and desserts available for 

purchase; 6-9:30 p.m. at the Paso Robles Event Center; 2198 Riverside 

Ave., Paso Robles. $40 in advance; $45 at the door. 

biglaughlive.com | 805-712-0400 | info@biglaughlive.com 

February 10 — Symphony of the Vines presents "Flute Delights," 

a chamber concert featuring Suzanne Duffy and Carol Houchens, 

flutes, and Lynne Garrett, piano. It's happening from 4 - 5:30 p.m., 

Cass Winery, 7350 Linne Road, Paso Robles. Tickets are $15 - $30, 

students K-12 are free with a paid adult. 

symphonyofthevines.org 

March 3 — Symphony of the Vines presents "Harp Chamber Music" 

with Catherine Litaker on harp; Carol Houchens, flute; Michael 

Whitson, viola; and Hilary Clark, cello, 4 - 5:30 p.m. Pear Valley Estate 

Wine, 4900 Union Rd, Paso Robles. Tickets are $15 - $30, students 

K-12 are free with a paid adult. 


March 24 — Come enjoy "Mendelssohn in Scotland" at the San Miguel 

Mission. Presented by Symphony of the Vines, this full orchestra 

concert begins at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 - $30, students K-12 are 

free with a paid adult. 


Clubs & Meetings 

Submit listings to events@nosloco.com, and visit nosloco.com for more information on events. 

*Submissions must be made by the 5th of the month prior to publication date. 

Almond Country Quilters Guild — General Meeting: 

Friday, February 1 at Masonic Temple, 6:30-9 

p.m. acqguild.com. Speaker Catherine Redford: 

on Wool Applique. 

Coffee with a CHP — second Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., 

Nature’s Touch Nursery & Harvest, 225 Main St., 

Templeton. 

Exchange Club — second Tuesday, 12:15-1:30 

p.m. at McPhee’s, 416 S. Main St., Templeton. 

805-610-8096, exchangeclubofnorthslocounty. 

org 

Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 

465 — second Wednesday, 7 p.m. at Paso Airport 

Terminal, 4900 Wing Way. Getting youth involved 

with aviation, EAA465.org 

North County Multiflora Garden Club — second 

Wednesday, 12 to 3 p.m. at PR Community 

Church, 2706 Spring St., Paso Robles, Public 

Taking Care of Business 

North County Toast ‘N Talk Toastmasters — Mondays, 

6:15 to 7:30 p.m. 1101 Riverside Dr, Paso, 

805-464-9229 

Early But Worth It Chapter — Business Networking 

International — every Tuesday, 7 to 8:30 a.m., 

Culinary Arts Academy, Paso, Visitors welcome, 

bniccc.com 

Business Networking International — every 

Wednesday, 7 to 8:30 a.m., Cricket’s, 9700 El 

Camino Real, #104, Atascadero. Visitors welcome, 

bniccc.com 

Above the Grade Advanced Toastmasters — first 

Thursday, 7 to 9 p.m. Kennedy Club Fitness, 

Paso, 805-238-0524, 930206.toastmastersclubs. 

org 

Partners in $uccess — Business Networking International 

— every Thursday, 7 to 8:30 a.m., 

Paso Robles Assn. of Realtors, 1101 Riverside 

is welcome, no charge, guests welcome. Call 

805-712-7820 or visit multifloragardenclub.org 

Monthly Dinner at Estrella Warbirds Museum 

— first Wednesday, 6 p.m., guest speakers. 805- 

296-1935 for dinner reservations, ewarbirds.org 

Paso Robles Democratic Club — third Wednesday, 

6:30 p.m. at Centennial Park, 600 Nickerson, 

White Oak Room. All meetings are open to the 

public. For further info visit our Facebook page 

or visit pasoroblesdemocrats.org. 

North County Newcomers — General Membership 

Meeting and Luncheon: Wednesday, February 

6 at La Bellasera Hotel, 206 Alexa Court, 

Paso Robles, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $30. Visit northcountynewcomers.org 

Active Senior Club of Templeton — first Friday, 

10:30 a.m., Templeton Community Center, 601 

S. Main St. Meetings include a presentation on 

relevant local issues, often followed by a luncheon. 

Membership is $5 per year. Contact Templeton 

Recreation Department with questions. 

805-434-4909 

North County Wines and Steins — first Friday of 

the month, 6 p.m. at Templeton American Legion 

Hall, 805 Main St. Meetings include wine and 

beer tasting, speaker or program and potluck. 

Visit winesandsteins.org for more information. 

Central Coast Violet Society — second Saturday, 

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brookdale Activity Room, 

1919 Creston Road, Paso. Email Znailady1@aol. 

com with any questions. 

Classic Car Cruise Night — second Saturday 

(weather permitting), 5 to 7 p.m. at King Oil 

Tools, 2235 Spring St., Paso. Contact Tony Ororato, 

805-712-0551 with any questions. 

Daughters of the American Revolution — first 

Sunday. For time and place, email dmcpatriot 

daughter@gmail.com 

Ave. Visitors welcome, bniccc.com 

Speak Easy Toastmasters Club — every Friday, 

12:10 to 1:15 p.m. Founders Pavilion, Twin Cities 

Community Hospital. 9797.toastmastersclubs. 

org. 805-237-9096 

Coffee at the Carlton — Entrepreneurs and business 

leaders meet Wednesdays at 9 am. Carlton 

Hotel in Atascadero. 


North SLO County Activity & Events Guide | 

4th annual Tamale Festival fills bellies and downtown streets 

La Luz Del Mundo conglomerate and Garcia's Restaurant vie for top trophy taker 

On Saturday, January 19, the City of 

Atascadero hosted the 4th Annual Tamale 

Festival with eighty vendors in attendance 

and thirty two of them being tamale vendors 

coming from all over San Luis Obispo County 

as well as from the far reaches of the Central 

Valley and Southern California, including Anaheim, 

Bakersfield, Hemet, Huntington Beach, 

Riverside and Santa Ana. 

Each year, the festival has a Judges Favorite 

and a People’s Choice Tamale Contest. Due to 

the wide variety of tamales offered, there are 

three categories for judging: sweet, gourmet 

and traditional. Following are the results: 

2019 Judges Favorite 

Traditional: 

1st Place ~ Garcia’s Restaurant, Atascadero 

2nd Place ~ Mary’s Cuisine Catering, San Luis Obispo 

3rd Place ~ Maria’s Catering, Anaheim 

Gourmet: 

1st Place ~ La Luz Del Mundo, Ontario 

2nd Place ~ Los Osos Mexican Market, Los Osos 

3rd Place ~ Barrett’s Tamales, Huntington Beach 

Sweet: 

1st Place ~ La Luz Del Mundo, Santa Ana 

2nd Place ~ Barrett’s Tamales, Huntington Beach 

3rd Place ~ Los Osos Mexican Market, Los Osos 

2018 People’s Choice: 

These Tamale vendors won across all categories 

of traditional, gourmet and sweet! 

1st Place ~ Garcia’s Restaurant, Atascadero 

2nd Place ~ La Luz Del Mundo Paso Robles 

3rd Place ~ Las Delicias de Zacatecas, San Luis Obispo 

Tamale Eating Contest winners: Ages 12 & 

Over: Shawn Romagno finished five tamales 

in under two minutes; Under 12 Years of Age: 

Daniel Nava won first place by being able to 

eat two tamales the fastest! 

Chihuahua Contest and Fashion Show: The 

Cowboy costume won the prize! 

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| North SLO County Activity & Events Guide 

At the Library 

Atascadero Library 

6555 Capistrano, Atascadero • 805-461-6161 


Ongoing Programs 

Tuesday & Wednesday — 10:30 a.m., Preschool Story 

time for 1-5 year olds 

Friday — 10:30 a.m., Toddler Story time for 1-3 year olds 

1st Tuesday — 11 a.m. 

Lego Club 

1st Saturday — 2 p.m., Family Movies 

1st Tuesday — 11 a.m., Gems in the Stacks Book Group 

3rd Thursday — 2:30 p.m., Mixed Minds Book Group 

February 19, Saturday — 2 p.m., Lego Club 

Paso Robles Library 

1000 Spring St., Paso Robles • 805-237-3870 

Monday — 11:30 a.m., Preschool Story time for 1-3 

year olds 

Thursday — 10:30 a.m., Mother Goose on the Loose 

for ages 0-18 months 

Fridays — eBook Clinic with Patrick McCoy, 2 p.m., 2:20 

p.m. and 2:40 p.m., open to 16 and over. See Library 

Events Calendar for more information. 


For Adults: 

Service Organizations 

Service Organizations 

American Legion Post 50 • 240 Scott St., Paso Robles 

• 805-239-7370 

Commander John Irwin, 805-286-6187. 

Hamburger Lunch— every Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., $5 

Pancake Breakfast — third Saturday, 8 to 11 a.m., $6 

Post Meeting — fourth Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. 

American Legion Post 220 

• 805 Main Street, Templeton • 805-610-2708 

Post Meeting — second and fourth Wednesday, 6 p.m. 

Elks Lodge 

Atascadero Lodge 2733 • 1516 El Camino Real • 805- 

466-3557 

Lodge Meeting — second and fourth Thursdays 

Paso Robles Lodge 2364 • 1420 Park Street • 805- 

239-1411 

Lodge Meeting — first and third Wednesdays 

El Paso de Robles Grange #555 

• 627 Creston Rd. • 805-239-4100 

Zumba — Tuesday and Thursday, 8:45 a.m. 

Do Paso Square Dancers — second Thursday, 7-9 p.m. 

Pancake Breakfast — second Sunday, 7:30-11 a.m., 

January 13 — Grange Meeting, 12 to 1 p.m. 

Kiwanis International 

Atascadero — 7848 Pismo Ave. • 805-610-7229 

Business 

• eBook Clinic with Patrick McCoy, by appointment, 

Fridays, February 1,8, 15, and 22, 2-3 pm and Saturday, 

February 16, 10-11 am 

• Make It @ the Library! Lovebird Embroidery, Saturday, 

February 2, 10:30-12:30 pm 

• Film Viewing and Discussion: The Latino List, Part 1, 

Thursday, February 7, 

6-8 pm 

• Drop In and Color! Tattoo Art of Freddy Negrete, 

Thursday, February 14, 6-8 pm 

• Black Dove by Ana Castillo book discussion, Thursday, 

February 21, 7-8 pm 

• Learn to Knit or Crochet! Saturday, February 23, 

10:30-noon 

• Tabletop Game Day, Saturday, February 23, 1-4 pm 

• Publishing 1-2-3-with Laurie Gibson, Wednesday, 

February 27, 6-8 pm 

• Film Viewing and Discussion: The Latino List, Part 2, 

Thursday, February 28, 6-8 p.m. 

For Children: 

• Story Times, check online calendar for days and times 

• Take Your Child to the Library Day, Monday February 

4, all day 

• Lego Build, Monday, February 11, 4-5 pm. 

Key Club — every Wednesday, 11:55 a.m. 

Kiwanis Club — every Thursday, 7 a.m. 

Paso Robles — 1900 Golden Hill Rd. (Culinary Arts 

Academy) 

Kiwanis Club — every Tuesday, 12 p.m. 

Board Members — first Tuesday, 1 p.m. 

Night Meeting — third Wednesday, 6 p.m., Su Casa 

Restaurant (2927 Spring St.) 

Lions Club 

Atascadero Club #2385 • 5035 Palma Ave. 

Meeting — second and fourth Wednesday, 7 p.m. 

Paso Robles Club 2407 • 1420 Park St. 

Meeting — second and fourth Tuesday, 7 p.m. 

San Miguel Club 2413 • 256 13th St. 

Meeting — first and third Tuesday, 7 p.m. 

Santa Margarita Club 2418 • 9610 Murphy St. 

Meeting — second and fourth Monday, 7:30 p.m. 

Shandon Valley Club • 630-571-5466 

Templeton Club 2427 • 601 Main St. • 805-434-1071 

Meeting — first and third Thursday, 7 p.m. 

Loyal Order of Moose 

Atascadero #2067 • 8507 El Camino Real • 805-466- 

5121 

Meeting — first and third Thursday, 6 p.m. 

Bingo — first Sunday, 12-2 p.m. 

Queen of Hearts — every Tuesday, 7 p.m. 

• I Love My Library Craft, Tuesday February 12, 4pm. 

• Maker Monday series—Candy Grabber! February 

25, 4-5 pm 

Creston Library 

6290 Adams, Creston • 805-237-3010 

Friday, February 1 — Valentine Card Making, 1 p.m. 

Thursday & Friday, February 7-8 — Sugar Cookie Decorating 

& Heart Pencil Craft, 2 p.m. 

San Miguel Library 

254 13th St, San Miguel • 805-467-3224 

Saturday, February 9 — Movie & Craft Saturday 

Wednesday, February 13 — Mexican Tin Art Craft, 2 p.m. 

Saturday, February 16 — Loom Knitting - Knit a hat, 

1 p.m. 

Saturday, February 23 — A Closer Look: Book Discussion, 

4 p.m. 

Santa Margarita Library 

9630 Murphy Ave, Santa Margarita • 805-438-5622 

Saturday, February 2 — Young People’s Reading Round 

Table, 4 to 5:30 p.m., open to 12 to 16 year olds 

Saturday, February 23 — Coding with Matt 

Shandon Library 

195 N 2nd St, Shandon • 805-237-3009 

Call for info 

Pool League — every Wednesday 

Paso Robles #243 • 2548 Spring St. • 805-239-0503 

Visit mooseintl.org for more information 

Optimist Club 

Atascadero — dinner meetings second and fourth Tuesday, 

5:30 p.m., Outlaws Bar & Grill, 9850 E. Front Rd. 

or call 805-712-5090 

Paso Robles — dinner meetings second and fourth 

Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Paso Robles Elks Lodge, 1420 

Park St. 

Rotary International 

Atascadero — 9315 Pismo Ave. 

Meeting — every Wednesday, 12 p.m. at Atascadero 

Lake Pavilion 

Paso Robles Sunrise — 1900 Golden Hill Rd. 

Meeting — every Wednesday, 7 a.m. at Culinary Arts 

Academy 

Templeton — 416 Main St. 

Meeting — first and third Tuesday, 7 a.m. at McPhee’s 

Grill 

Veterans of Foreign Wars 

Atascadero #2814 — 9555 Morro Rd., • 805-466-3305 

Meeting — first Thursday, 6:30 p.m. 

Paso Robles #10965 — 240 Scott St., • 805-239-7370 

Meeting — first Tuesday, 7 p.m. 

Atascadero Chamber of Commerce 

atascaderochamber.org • 805-466-2044 

6907 El Camino Real, Suite A, Atascadero, CA 93422 

Leaders Lunch — Friday, February 1. Build relationships 

with other leaders in the community while enjoying a 

catered lunch, and a talk from one our region’s leaders. 

Member: $25, Non-Member: $35. 

Business Mixer: Parents For Joy — Thursday, February 

21 at Joy Playground, 5599 Traffic Way, Atascadero, 

CA 93422. 

Good Morning Atascadero — Friday, February 22 at 

Galaxy Theatres, 6917 El Camino Real, Suite I, Atascadero, 

CA 93422. Catch up on the latest news that you 

need to know for your business. Join us for a variety 

of speakers, mimosas, and a light breakfast. Members: 

$15, Prospective Members: $20. 

Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce 

pasorobleschamber.com • 805-238-0506 

1225 Park St, Paso Robles, CA 93446 

Office Hours with District Supervisor John Peschong 

— third Thursday, 9 to 11 a.m., Paso Robles Chamber of 

Commerce Conference Room. Contact Vicki Janssen 

for appointment, vjanssen@co.clo.ca.us, 805-781-4491 

Office Hours with Field Representative for Senator Bill 

Monning — third Thursday, 2 to 4 p.m., Paso Robles 

Chamber of Commerce Conference Room. Contact 

Hunter Snider for appointment, 805-549-3784 

Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce January Restaurant 

of the Month — Park Street Grill, 1344 Park Street, 

Paso Robles. 805-369-2705 

Membership Mixer — Wednesday, February 13 at Community 

West Bank, 541 Spring Street, Paso Robles; 

5:30-7 p.m. Get to know each other and share business 

contacts all in the friendly confines of a member 

business. 

Wake Up Paso — Wednesday, February 27 at Paso 

Robles Inn Ballroom, 1103 Spring Street, Paso Robles; 

breakfast at 7:30 a.m., program at 8 a.m.; members 

$22, general admission $28 

Templeton Chamber of Commerce 

templetonchamber.com • 805-434-1789 

321 S. Main Street #C, Templeton, CA 93465 

Chamber Board of Directors Meeting — 4 to 5:30 p.m., 

every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Pacific Premier 

Bank Conference Room on Las Tablas Blvd. 


North SLO County Activity & Events Guide | 

Health & Wellness 

THE WELLNESS KITCHEN 

AND RESOURCE CENTER 

Visit thewkrc.org, 805-434-1800 for information 

on Healing and Wellness Foods meal 

programs, volunteer opportunities, and classes 

(to RSVP, register and pay online.) 

Healthy Cooking Class: Heart Healthy Foods 

— Thursday, February 21, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

at Idler’s Home Paso Robles, 2361 Theatre 

Dr., Paso Robles. Also Friday February 22, 

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Idler’s Home, San Luis 

Obispo, 122 Cross St., San Luis Obispo. 

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY 

1051 Las Tablas Road, Templeton • 805- 

238-4411 

Open Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

to provide support, education and hope. 

Cancer Support Helpline: 1-888-793-9355, 

6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST. 

Visit cscslo.org for description of support 

groups, social events, education and kid’s 

programs. 

Living With Cancer Support Group — 2nd 

and 4th Wednesdays, 10:00am –11:00am. 

Facilitated by Jamie Dunn, LMFT & Katie 

Boucher, AMFT. 

Contact Jamie: 805-238-4411. 

Caregiver Support Group — 4th Wednesdays 

- concurrent with patient group in a separate 

room. 10:00am –11:00am. Facilitated by 

Jamie Dunn, LMFT & Katie Boucher, AMFT 

Contact Jamie: 805-238-4411. 

Breast Cancer Group - Templeton — Last 

Thursday of each month, 11:00am-12:00pm 

Facilitated by Lindsey Levenson, LMFT, 2-time 

breast cancer survivor. Contact Jamie: 805- 

238-4411. 

Mindfulness Hour — with Katie Boucher, 

AMFT. Last Wednesday. 11:30am - 12:30pm 

Learn to practice the concepts of mindfulness, 

distress tolerance and emotional regulation. 

Open to patients & caregivers. Space 

Government 

is limited. RSVP Required. 

Therapeutic Yoga — Mondays, 11:30am– 

12:45pm with Sue Larson. Therapeutic yoga 

designed for cancer patients. Poses can be 

modified to accommodate various needs and 

abilities. All levels welcome. Held at Dharma 

Yoga (1329 Spring St., Paso Robles). 

Patient Navigation — By Appointment. Get 

help with your medical and non-medical 

resources. Let our navigators support you 

in finding what you need to better support 

your care. We can help find resources for 

medical bills, access to benefits, access to 

financial resources, support for transportation 

challenges and much more. Call to book an 

appointment, 805-238-4411. 

Healthy Lifestyle — Navigate with Niki, Thursdays 

by appointment, call 805-238-4411; 

Cancer Well-Fit® at Paso Robles Sports 

Club, Mondays and Thursdays 12:30 to 1:30 

p.m., pre-registration is required with Kathy 

Thomas at kathythomas10@hotmail.com or 

805-610-6486.; Beautification Boutique offers 

products for hair loss and resources for 

mastectomy patients (knittedknockers.org). 

SUPPORT & ENCOURAGEMENT 

Take Off Pounds Sensibly — every Monday, 

6:30 p.m. at Community Church of Atascadero, 

5850 Rosario, basement room. 805-466- 

1697 or visit tops.org 

North County Overeaters Anonymous — every 

Monday, 5:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran 

Church, Fireside Room, 940 Creston Rd., 

Paso, OA.org. 

MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers — first & 

third Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran 

Church, 

940 Creston Road, Paso, Ashley Hazell, 805- 

459-6049, nocomops@gmail.com. 

Chronic Pain Support Group — CRPS (Chronic 

Regional Pain Syndrome), third Tuesdays, 5 to 6 

p.m. at Rabobank, 1025 Las Tablas Rd, Templeton. 

Contact Suzanne Miller 805-704-5970 or 

email suzanne.miller@ymail.com. 

North County Parkinson’s Support Group — 

third Tuesday, 1 p.m. at Templeton Presbyterian 

Church, 

610 So. Main St. Info: Rosemary Dexter 805- 

466-7226. 

Overeaters Anonymous Atascadero — every 

Thursday, 6:30 p.m. at California Manor, Past 

the Lobby and follow the signs, 10165 El Camino 

Real, Atascadero. Contact Irene 818-415-0353. 

North County Prostate Cancer Support Group — 

third Thursday, 7 p.m. at Twin Cities Community 

Hospital Pavilion Room. Bill Houston 805-995- 

2254 or American Cancer Society 805-473-1748. 

Lupus/Autoimmune Disorder Support Group — 

fourth Saturday, 10:30 a.m. at Nature’s Touch, 

225 So. Main St., Templeton. 

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS 

Sponsored by Hospice SLO • 805-544-2266 • 

hospiceslo.org 

Living with Grief Group— every Monday, 12:15 

p.m. 

Pet Loss Group — last Monday, 5 p.m. 

General Grief Group — Tuesdays, 6 p.m. 

Suicide Bereavement — fourth Wednesday, 3 p.m. 

Spouse and Partner Group — Thursdays, 11:30 

a.m. 

Child Loss Group — Thursdays, 6 p.m. 

Family Caregiver Group — every other Friday, 

2:30 p.m. 

Meetings at RISE – Visit in person at 1030 Vine 

St., Paso Robles or call 805-226-5400 

General Grief Group — Wednesdays, 5 p.m. 

Meeting at 517 13th Street, Paso. No cost, no 

pre-registration. 

GriefShare — Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the 

Fireside Room at Trinity Lutheran Church 940 

Creston Road, Paso Robles. 

Paso Robles 

City Council — first and third Tuesday, 

6:30 p.m. at the City of Paso 

Robles Library Conference Room, 

1000 Spring Street 

Senior Citizens Advisory Committee 

— second Monday, 1:30 to 

3:30 p.m. at the Paso Robles Senior 

Center, 270 Scott Street 

Parks and Recreation Advisory 

Committee — second Monday, 4 

p.m. at Centennial Park Live Oak 

Room, 600 Nickerson Road 

Planning Commission — second 

and fourth Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. at 

the City of Paso Robles Library 

Conference Room, 1000 Spring St. 

Library Board of Trustees — second 

Thursday, 9 a.m. at City of Paso 

Robles Library, 1000 Spring Street 

Airport Commission — fourth 

Thursday of every other month, 

6:30 p.m. at 4900 Wing Way, Paso 

Robles. 

Templeton Community Svcs Dist. 

Board of Directors — first and third 

Tuesday, 7 p.m. at 420 Crocker St. 

Atascadero 

Planning Commission — first and 

third Tuesday, 6 p.m. at City Hall 

Council Chambers, 6500 Palma Ave. 

City Council — second and fourth 

Tuesday, 6 p.m. at City Hall Council 

Chambers, 6500 Palma Avenue 

Santa Margarita Area Advisory 

Council 

Monthly meetings — first Wednesday, 

7 p.m. at Santa Margarita 

Community Hall, 22501 I St. 

County of San Luis Obispo 

County Government Center, Board of 

Supervisors Chambers, 1055 Monterey 

St, Room D170, San Luis Obispo. 

first and third Tuesday, 9 a.m. 


We Live in One of the Great Places in the World 

Here's a few ways you can make it better! 

A 

few things coming up 

that really matter to me 

as an Atascadero resident. 

I’ve been a permanent resident of 

Atascadero for more than 40 years 

now, growing up here since 1978 

and as a matter of choice decided 

to make the Central Coast 

my permanent home into my 

adulthood since returning in 2005. 

When I returned from a long 

vacation in Hawaii — paid for by 

working two jobs during my time 

in Mammoth Lakes as a rental 

shop supervisor and a waiter at 

Hennessey’s Tavern — I stood at 

Port San Luis and looked south 

down the Avila Beach coast and 

I was taken by the wonder of this 

area. We are smack dab in arms 

reach of 1,000 things to do within 

a day’s round trip — all of them 

epic if you decide it is so. 

We have hiking, biking, 

walking, running, tanning, surfing, 

swimming, cruising, dining, 

boating, fishing, or just a good 

old fashioned picnic — and that 

is all within a 30-minute drive. 

If you really wanted, you could 

hike, surf, and snowboard all in 

the same day. OK, maybe you 

are like me and that isn’t exactly 

realistic … but you should still be 

able to make sense of the message: 

you live in one of the unique and 

amazing places in California, and 

therefore the world! And you pay 

for it, so ENJOY IT! 

So back to the few things 

coming up that really matter to 

me. 1) The Atascadero Lake is 

filling with water after the City 

of Atascadero was able to open 

the pipeline from the creek. That 

is a major assist to preserving 

our crown jewel’s health. 2) The 

Atascadero Printery Foundation 

is hosting a Murder Mystery 

on Feb. 9, which is an assist in 

clarifying the long-term goals for 

the foundation — community, 

performance art, and history all 

coming together under one roof. 

Stay tuned for a radical update on 

the third part of the foundation’s 

mission to repurpose the building. 

3) The Atascadero Colony Days 

Committee (no relation to 

Colony Magazine) has begun its 

journey toward the 46th annual 

parade and festival, scheduled for 

the first weekend in October. 

And what do these three things 

have in common? You can get 

involved! For very little time, 

effort, or money, you can provide 

assistance to things that are going 

on in Atascadero that happen as a 

result of community participation. 

So while you are not enjoying 

the beautiful area we live in, try 

this — contact Nancy Hair with 

the Friends of the Atascadero 

Lake at 805-674-3850, or Karen 

McNamara with Atascadero 

Printery Foundation at 805-466- 

1961, or me at info@colonydays. 

org to lend a hand or sponsorship 

for Colony Days. Each of those 

groups live by the philosophy 

“many hands make light work” and 

what better way to get to know 

your neighbors in Atascadero 

than to help them make it a better 

place to live. 

Make your first call to get your 

tickets to the Murder Mystery 

Dinner Theatre on Saturday, 

February 9 and enjoy a five-course 

Buona Tavola dinner served by 

Chef Antonio Varia. That will get 

you in the mood! 

So remember: 

• You live in one of the best places 

on Earth. 

• You pay for it, one way or another. 

• So much beauty and life is 

within your reach ... and we 

will talk more about that in our 

March issue as we explore the 

surrounding area. 

• Organizations of humans work 

together ... like little colonies? ... 

to make our corner of the world a 

better place to enjoy, and you can 

help at literally any age with the 

willingness to try. 

• Friends of the Atascadero Lake 

is putting on LAKEFEST 2019 

on Saturday, May 18. Check 

them out at friendsofatascadero 

lake.com. 

• For $100 you get a five-course 

gourmet dinner, dessert and 

wine — and a SHOW! — so, if you 

haven't gotten your tickets yet, go 

to atascaderoprintery.org. 

• It's a great time to get into the 

community spirit by joining the 

Atascadero Colony Days Committee 

and shape the 46th annual event! 

Go to colonydays.org for info on 

how to help. 

76 Gas Station.................................. 11 

805-Boutiques................................. 13 

A Beautiful Face................................ 10 

American West Tire Pros................... 09 

Arlyne’s Flowers................................ 11 

Atascadero Greyhound Foundation.21 

Atascadero Pet Hospital................... 25 

Atascadero Printery Foundation...... 21 

Atown Family Med........................... 19 

Avila Traffic Safety............................. 25 

Awakening Ways.............................. 31 

Bob Sprain’s Draperies..................... 27 

Bottom Line Bookkeeping............... 08 

Branches of Wellness Acupuncture.22 

CASA.................................................. 09 

Central Coast Medical Aesthetics..... 11 

DIRECTORY TO OUR ADVERTISERS 

Dancing With Our Stars................... 02 

Five Star Rain Gutters....................... 19 

Foss Electric....................................... 31 

Frontier Floors................................... 20 

Glenn's Rental and Repair............... 08 

Grace Yoga Central Coast................. 22 

Greg Malik RE Group....................... 05 

H&R Block......................................... 11 

Healthy Inspirations......................... 29 

Hearing Aid Specialists of the CC.... 03 

Hope Chest Emporium.................... 11 

John Donovan - State Farm ............. 13 

(805) 550-9891 

snslaundromat@gmail.com 

Las Tablas Animal Hosp.................... 10 

Lube N Go......................................... 10 

Natural Alternative........................... 09 

Nautical Cowboy.............................. 08 

Odyssey World Cafe......................... 31 

Robert Fry, M.D................................. 31 

Rossi Law Offices.........................35/36 

SLO County Office of Education....... 24 

Solarponics....................................... 05 

Spice of Life...................................... 27 

Sue Hubbard - Farmers Insurance... 34 

Templeton Door & Trim.................... 33 

The Laundromat............................... 34 

Triple 7 Motorsports......................... 05 

Triple 7 Tractor................................... 21 

Writing Support Group.................... 13 


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More Information on Getting Debt-Free 

Live Again! 

1. Will you lose property if you file bankruptcy? 

No. That is why you have an attorney. In preparing your 

legal documents we carefully analyze the property you 

own, so you can keep it, as the law allows. We don’t file 

unless we know you can keep your property. Once in a 

while, very rarely, someone has property that cannot be 

kept in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, so we suggest an alternative 

remedy for your debt problems. 

2. Will bankruptcy ruin your credit forever? 

No. In most cases, bankruptcy will provide the quickest 

way to good credit. Certified Financial Advisor Liz 

Weston’s article “Filing for Bankruptcy May Actually 

Help Credit Scores” is available from Richard Rossi. 

3. Do you need an attorney? 

Yes. You cannot afford not to have an attorney. An attorney 

can make sure your keep your property, and give you 

peace of mind. 

4. Who will know you filed for bankruptcy? 

Probably no one, except your creditors, unless you 

disclose the fact - which many of my clients have done 

because their bankruptcy provided so much relief and 

peace of mind. NO DEBT- Nice. 

5. Which debts are cancelled by bankruptcy? 

Generally all debts, except child support and alimony, 

student loans, taxes, restitution for a criminal act and debts 

incurred as the result of fraud. Taxes may be cancelled if 

they are old enough; this is something we discuss in your 

FREE first meeting. 

6. If you're married, must both of you file? 

No. Oft-time the debt is only in one spouse’s name, so the 

other may opt not to file and so will not have a bankruptcy 

on their credit history. 

7. If you‘ve been sued is it too late to file for 

bankruptcy? 

No. The moment you file a bankruptcy the lawsuit is 

stopped (as are foreclosure sales of homes, and creditors’ 

calls). If a creditor has a judgment against you and is 

garnishing your wages, the bankruptcy will immediately 

stop it. The debt you were sued for will be cancelled in the 

bankruptcy. 

Religion and Bankruptcy: By Dr. Michael Russell (reprinted with permission): “In Deuteronomy 15, Moses 

reveals God’s concern with perpetual or chronic debt among His people. Moses says, ‘At the end of every seven years 

you shall grant a remission of debts...’ It has puzzled me over the years why Christian leaders have stressed – almost 

legalistically at times – that debts have to be repaid no matter what. According to these experts (who often lack theological 

training), to fail to do so is to sin and reflects spiritual bankruptcy...I reject – that conclusion. God is a God of grace; 

capitalism knows nothing of grace...Christians need to recognize...the grace of God and that He is, once again, shown to 

be a God of new beginnings.” (The entire article is available from Richard Rossi.) 

Testimonials: “Mr. Rossi is a great advisor when it comes to Bankruptcy Law. I went for advice and he with 

honesty told me all the right things to tell my creditors with out taking a cent. I would highly recommend Mr. Rossi to 

anyone who needs a service like Bankruptcy as unpleasant as that sounds. I found out I did not need it after all! Thank 

You Mr. Rossi!” ~ Carolyn M. 

“When I finally decided to file for bankruptcy a friend recommended Mr. Rossi. After struggling just to keep up 

with the interest payments on my credit cards it was such a relief to hand everything over to Rick and Debra. Rick made 

sure I understood the process from start to finish. He made sure that all the collections calls stopped and he ensured that I 

knew I wasn't a deadbeat for filing bankruptcy and I was able to keep my car. The entire process only took 6 months and 

I only had to go to court once in Santa Barbara.” ~ Jessica H. Santa Maria 

ROSSI LAW 

It’s Time for a New Life 

Call Richard Rossi – 541-1044 or 238-0238 

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We are a debt relief agency; we help 

people file for bankruptcy under the 

Bankruptcy Code. 

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Are YOU Drowning in Debt? 

It will only get worse. 

Good people get into financial trouble. Our laws are 

designed to help people start their financial (and emotional) 

lives over, very quickly. Bankruptcy is one solution to debt 

problems; Richard Rossi will explore all your alternatives 

in your FREE first meeting. 

Bankruptcy is a Constitutional Right. Why? Simple. 

Reasonable people get into financial trouble that they 

cannot get out of. 

Getting started: Yes, first call for an appointment. 

Then make a list of the property you own (home, cars, 

retirement, etc.) and a list of your debts. You can 

estimate the amounts owed. List car loans and monthly 

payments, same with RV and motorcycles, and a list of 

credit card and personal loans all on one page. You are 

done! Bring the list with you to the meeting. 

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Most often clients decide to stop paying credit cards when they meet with attorney Richard Rossi. 

Immediate Relief. And, you can afford an attorney; we accept payments. 

Should Seniors consider bankruptcy. Absolutely. Given their fixed income, they usually don’t have the 

ability to replace savings and investments. Retirement accounts and Social Security are property they CAN KEEP by 

law. Never borrow against a retirement account or equity in a home to pay unsecured debt. 

Get a Local Attorney, one who you can meet in person, like Richard Rossi. When speaking with an attorney, 

ask where the attorney’s office is located. 

One Testimonial: “Richard Rossi helped me through a very financially difficult time in my life. He took 

control of the situation and eased my anxiety. He is very knowledgeable about credit law and conducts himself in a 

very professional manner. I do not hesitate to recommend Richard and his staff to anyone seeking help with money 

matters.” Bill from AG 

Turn the page for more information. 

OUR OFFICES 

Paso Robles 

515 Spring Street 

Tel: 805-238-0238 

San Luis Obispo 

11573 Los Osos Valley Rd. 

Tel: 805-541-1044 

sanluisobispoattorney.com 

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2019 February Colony Magazine

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