Lifestyle Magazine April 2026

April

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A Word From The Editor

Raisins drying on paper in the sun is one of those nostalgic scents that immediately takes me back to my childhood. Growing up on my family’s vineyard, I had a front-row seat to the sheer amount of work and grit it takes to manage land. When we transitioned from raisins to Syrah grapes in 2000, I gained a whole new respect for the industry as I watched the complex, scientific process of winemaking unfold.

I may have never been the one behind the wheel of a tractor, but being raised on a ranch gave me a permanent fascination with how things grow. Since acquiring Lifestyle, our team at Root has been waiting for this "Locally Grown" issue. Food production is our agency’s specialty, but more importantly, growing is the heartbeat of the Central Valley. It’s a pursuit that profoundly touches every life in our community.

In this issue, we’re honing in on that connection, highlighting the people who dedicate their lives to the soil and the incredible plants that define our region. From the precision of professional beekeeping and honey production to the artistry of becoming a Master Gardener, and, of course, a guide to the best local strawberry spots, we’re celebrating it all.

I’m also thrilled to officially announce our Best of 2026 winners! A huge thank you to everyone who nominated, voted, and participated. Congratulations to the local businesses and individuals who make our community what it is.

STEPHANIE STEELMAN Co-founder | Root Creative Marketing Executive Editor | Lifestyle Magazine

Contributors

April 2025 2026

Sam Justice CREATIVE EDITOR

Chelsi Stark EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

William Yamauti GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Danielle Nederend CONTENT EDITOR

Stephanie Steelman EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Daniel Borgatto GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Terry Ommen HISTORIAN

Carly Vagim PHOTOGRAPHER

Have a story to share? From local makers to meaningful moments, we love collaborating with creatives who can capture our community. Scan the code and get in touch!

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KINGSBURG HONEY

Tucked away on a lush regenerative farm, live the bees of Kingsburg Honey. Do bees even have a home? You might be wondering.

After chatting with Daren Hess, local beekeeper, we can tell you with absolute certainty - yes! Bees do have a home. In fact, each hive has their own personality, Daren tells us.

Read along to find out more about Kingsburg Honey.

Daren was introduced to beekeeping by his father in-law, who immigrated to the states from Russia in 1992. His family had been in the trade for generations, and he brought that knowledge with him to the Central Valley.

Despite their language barriers, Daren was intrigued by the family business and checked out as many library books as he could to learn more about the industry. Today, he cares for thousands of bees, runs a successful business selling honey products, hosting tours, and even has a buzzing social media platform all about beekeeping!

For the most part, Kingsburg Honey is a one man show (not counting the thousands of bees of course). On the occasion that a school tour reaches over a staggering 100 guests, Daren enlists the help of one of his daughters.

“JUST LIKE PEOPLE, HONEY BEES SEARCH FOR THE PERFECT PLACE TO CALL HOME.”

During our tour, Daren walked us past stacks of empty bee boxes and told us stories of bee rescues and hive removals.

Just like people, honey bees search for the perfect place to call home. But, sometimes they wind up in places that are less than ideal: chimneys, playgrounds, trashcans, attic spaces, or even BBQ grills.

Before the bees set up a hive, they often come together as a swarm: a large, buzzing clump of bees. If Daren is called for a bee rescue at this stage, he’ll try to simply capture the swarm and bring it back to his office, offering the hive a bee box in return. If the hive has established a home inside walls, trees, or other small spaces, a “cut-out” service may be required. In order to save the bees, they must cut a small access hole to remove the hive.

In the odd chance that a bee colony sets up camp inside an object, it might be best to donate the object along with the bees. Daren tells us that he’s unintentionally started a collection: an old truck tire and a hollow statue of Saint Francis filled with bees.

Kingsburg Honey offers bee removal services in Fresno, Clovis, Fowler, Selma, Dinuba, Reedley, Kingsburg, Visalia, Tulare, Hanford, Lemoore, or anywhere in between!

When asked about his favorite flavor of honey, Daren tells us the story of their once in a lifetime Creek Fire Honey.

A few years back, after a fire near Shaver Lake, the Bees of Kingsburg Honey were sent to help pollinate in the area. Daren explained that the taste of honey is greatly affected by the flowers the bees collect nectar from - and the environment in which those flowers grow. In the case of a fire, small flowers flourish during the regrowth period. Daren recounted the unique flavor of this specific honey as vibrant and smoky.

Kingsburg Honey’s current flavors range from wildflower, to orange blossom, and even creamed cinnamon honey. Just like the smokey taste of the Creek Fire Honey, these honeys get their flavor when the bees feed on orange blossoms and wildflowers.

To try Kingsburg Honey, you can shop online or visit Svensk Butik Gift Shop in Kingsburg, a Swedish gift shop run by Julie Hess, Darren's mom. Just like a bee hive, Kingsburg Honey is truly a family affair.

FUN FACTS!

• Honey bees have two stomachs, one for eating and one for storing nectar and turning it into honey.

• Worker honey bees have pockets on their legs that collect pollen as they fly from flower to flower.

• A bee hive is almost entirely female! Male bees, or drone bees, only make up about 10% to 15%

• Worker bees keep their hive extremely tidy!

Kingsburg Honey

https://www.kingsburghoney.com/ Instagram: kingsburghoney

Tiktok: kingsburghoney Phone number: (559) 869-8822

Hereat Lifestyle, our goal is to share the everyday stories of our community. From recipes with local ingredients, to celebrating small businesses, our magazine is a reflection of the everyday beauty in our homes and the people that create it.

While our content might change each month, Lifestyle’s vision holds strong; we are rooted in community, and inspired by life.

Our new Good News section is here to share stories that are just that: Good news!

Inclusivity is a term we hear often nowadays. But for one local church, it’s more than a topic of conversation. We’d like to share the story of how Visalia First, in partnership with the Tim Tebow Foundation, is reinventing a classic American right of passage - Prom!

Every year, on the night before Valentine’s Day, the Tim Tebow Foundation sponsors 'Night to Shine’ across the world. This event is an inclusive and celebratory evening, for community members with special needs.

This year, Visalia First hosted their own Night to Shine. Hear from Lourdes Chavez, Community Outreach Ministry at Visalia First, about the event.

“On Friday, February 13, 2026, Visalia First hosted Night to Shine, a special event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Night to Shine is a complimentary unforgettable worldwide celebration event, centered on God's love, honoring, and valuing people with special needs (ages 14+).

Every guest at Night to Shine enters this complimentary event on a red carpet, complete with a warm welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi. Once inside, guests receive the royal treatment, including limousine rides, professional photography, hair and makeup stations, corsages and boutonnières, shoeshines, a catered dinner, karaoke room, a sensory room, a respite room for parents/caretakers and of course, a dance floor... all leading up to the moment when each guest is crowned a King or Queen.

At the Night to Shine Visalia event, 590 volunteers from various organizations in our community came together to make Night to Shine a success. Night to Shine Visalia celebrated 230 honored guests with special needs, and 200 parents or caretakers joined us for an evening off in the respite area with a catered meal and entertainment. So many local businesses locked arms in partnership believing in the mission until all are celebrated!”

Volunteer registration opens October 1, 2026. Honored Guest registration opens November 1, 2026. Visit us at www.v1nighttoshine.com Follow us on Instagram @v1nighttoshine

APRIL 17 & 18, 2026

TULARE,

Leadership Visalia

Leadership

Romanticizing Everyday Life.

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Your garden is ready to bloom, give it the perfect soundtrack. Scan the code to listen to our hand-picked 'Plant & Playlist' now!

VOCES LUMINE

Before

CDs, music players, and streaming services, music was more than a soundtrack to fill the quiet moments in our lives. It was performed; it was felt.

Imagine yourself in an audience of hundreds of people, silent, waiting for the show to begin. You’re in a dimly lit concert hall, theater, or even a cathedral. The conductor lifts his baton, and - as if alive - the room seems to take a breath, before the choir erupts in song. They sing in harmony, and for a moment, you get goosebumps while your mind goes quiet. A feeling of peace washes over you.

This experience is kept alive in the concerts of the Visalia Community Chorus.

Voices of Light

In 1984, the Visalia Community Chorus (VCC) was a modest gathering of local voices. Today, under the leadership of John Sorber, it has transformed into a powerhouse that connects community passion and academic rigor.

For John, the goal isn't just about hitting the right notes, it’s about building a cultural pillar that outlasts his own tenure. “I want to build something vital to this community,” John says, reflecting on a post-COVID surge that saw the group’s numbers double in a single year. From COS students to local choir directors and church singers, the VCC has become the heartbeat of Visalia’s vocal scene.

As head of COS’s vocal and choral departments, John has had the unique opportunity to work with choir members at every stage in their career.

Take the story of Nick Quinn for example. Nick, a local COS music major, is a soloist for the VCC choir and now has a scholarship to study music at Cal State Fullerton. John once had the opportunity to work on stage with Nick and Jeff Seaward, his predecessor as the COS choir director. John tells us it was an honor to stand as equals with both and experience the “life-cycle” of the choir first hand.

John and his team are dedicated to creating a choir that is welcoming to all levels of talent. From complete beginners, to individuals with a master’s degree in music, John invites them all. “We encourage everyone to audition,” says Erin Andersen, Advisory Council and Marketing Coordinator for VCC.

Hear from the Students

Gilbert Ortiz, COS Music Major

“One of the things I value most about singing with VCC is being surrounded by people who have been performing long before me, while knowing the tradition will continue long after I move on.

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to perform this kind of music at such a high level with so many dedicated singers. My experience in VCC has helped shape my decision to pursue music education when I transfer to a four-year university this fall.”

Brittany Christianson, COS Vocal Music Student

“Having sung in choirs at many different levels, I’ve noticed something special about the culture of VCC. There’s a strong sense of community and collaboration, along with a shared drive for excellence that never sacrifices the warmth and belonging that define the group. That kind of culture doesn’t happen by accident – it reflects the leadership and care that our Director, John Sorber, shows to every student and chorus member. He sets high expectations for us, both in how we perform and in how we treat one another.”

The VCC works in partnership with the COS foundation to grow their reach. COS supports the choir through donation programs and provides them with a space to practice. Not only does VCC strive to bring beautiful experiences to our community, they continually work to build a musical scene that brings connection above all else.

“You belong in VCC” - John Sorber

Website: visaliacommunitychorus.org

Feature video: Illuminare by Elaine Hagenberg, performed fall 2024 . https://youtu.be/YFpjIqfeOd0?si=m6E2-Mzdgt2R0vkk Full YouTube library: Visaliacommunitychorus/videos

Facebook: Visalia Community Chorus

Instagram: @visaliacommunitychorus

The Master Gardener

The Master Gardener’s goal is clear: To help spread the current knowledge of plant science and horticulture, and make gardening accessible to the public.

It seems like some people are just born with a green thumb. But who says you can’t grow one?

Whether you like your lawn manicured and neat, or wild and blooming, there's always more to learn when it comes to your garden. Who better to learn from than a Master Gardener?

If you haven't heard of them before, a Master Gardener is a local volunteer with expert knowledge. They’re community members who took their passion for plants to the next level. Here’s how the Master Gardener program planted its roots.

Victory Gardens: Planting Hope during Wartime

During World War I and II, farm advisors and agents from the UC Cooperative Extension program would guide community members in growing ‘Victory Gardens’. In short, these were vegetable gardens planted in family homes and community spaces, meant to support food rations and boost morale during war times.

From 1913 to today, this volunteerism grew into an international, educational movement. The first Master Gardener program was planted in 1972 in Washington, DC.

Today, volunteers are certified through training and examinations based on the research shared by “University of California faculty and staff, landscape and nursery professionals, local horticulture educators and Certified Master Gardeners.” (1) More information on the history and training process can be found on their website.

The Master Gardener’s goal is clear: To help spread the current knowledge of plant science and horticulture, and make gardening accessible to the public.

Zone 9 Gardens

Researching ‘how to start a garden’ may lead you down the rabbit hole of obsessing over garden zones, soil content, watering schedules, and more. Which - with the jungle of information at our fingertips - can be overwhelming.

This is where a Master Gardener steps in. With expertise in all things home gardens, they can offer information and guidance for every step of the process - especially when it comes to Tulare County’s Mediterranean climate.

Areas of advice include:

• Growing fruits and vegetables in Tulare/Kings Counties' climate

• Identifying and managing pests and diseases

• Selecting the right plants for zones 9a-9b

• Soil health, composting, and water-wise gardening

• Lawn care, pruning, and landscape maintenance

While their website is a wealth of information and articles, you can also reach a local Master Gardener at…

44374-B S. Laspina St., Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 684-3325

Tuesday and Thursday 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. mgardene@tularecounty.ca.gov https://ucanr.edu/site/tulare-kingsmaster-gardeners

Market Days:

Whatdo you get when you put together community, connection, creativity, and economy? Local markets! Community markets aren’t just for food and drinks (but it’s always a bonus to snack while you shop) — our local vendors are proving just that.

Market culture has undeniably boomed these past few years in Tulare County, and there’s no better way to support our neighbors than to shop locally. From vintage finds, to homemade products, to curated goods, we're enjoying our days off by browsing the unique booths at a local market.

“Each market is designed to feel welcoming and community-centered: a place where people can gather, discover local makers, and enjoy the experience of 'Sip, Shop, and Snack Local.'.”

Hear from I.N.T Events founder, Elicia Cano

“I.N.T. Events was created from my love for community and my belief that local events can be more than just a place to shop—they can be a place where neighbors connect and small businesses truly thrive. Before starting I.N.T. Events, I spent years attending markets across the Central Valley as a vendor myself. After each event, I often left with ideas about how the experience could be improved—how vendors could be better supported and how events could more intentionally bring people together.

Eventually, those ideas turned into action, and I.N.T. Events was born.

Today, I focus on creating vibrant, thoughtfully curated events that celebrate local creativity and culture while providing meaningful opportunities for small businesses. Each market is designed to feel welcoming and communitycentered—a place where people can gather, discover local makers, and enjoy the experience of ‘sip, shop, and snack local.’

Through I.N.T. Events, my goal is to foster genuine connections, highlight the talent within our region, and contribute to a stronger local economy. Because at the heart of it all, it’s a neighborhood thing.”

Upcoming Events:

Saturday, April 18th:

The Local Loop. A curated vendor market located within the California Antique Tractor Show at the International Agri Center.

Sunday, May 3rd:

5th Annual Market for Mom, Location TBA.

Saturday, July 25th:

4th Annual Visalia Summer Festival at the Visalia Convention Center.

@ itsaneighborhoodthing

GRAND OPENING

Camping is known to be one of the best ways to reset your mind and relax your body (well… depends which family member you ask about ‘relaxing’) And the best part about it? There’s no exact way to do it! Check out the current takes on one of the most classic outdoor getaways.

In the heart of Tulare County, a new breed of 'Hipcamping' is emerging: One where you can wake up in a queen-sized bed in a designer bell tent, pick fresh citrus for breakfast, and play a sunset game of pickleball on a private ranch. For those who love nature but prefer their adventure flourished with a side of amenities, these local spots are redefining the weekend getaway.

Words by Lifestyle Staff

*This map is for illustrative purposes only, for accurate locations please visit the QR code.

The Results Are In!

Lifestyle Readers voted for their favorite local businesses, now it’s time to see who won!

THEY’RE MORE THAN JUST WALLFLOWERS Indoor Plant Guide:

Words by Lifestyle Staff

InTulare County, our climate is defined by hot, dry summers and relatively chilly, damp winters — especially when the "Tule fog" rolls in. While indoor plants are protected from the Valley’s extreme heat, they still have to outlast our low indoor humidity and the dry air from our heating and cooling systems. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up your dream for an indoor plant-paradise! We gathered some tips to help you go from ‘numb thumb’ to ‘green thumb’.

Here’s our take on some of the best indoor plants for our area, and how to keep them happy even with rising temps.

FAILPROOF

HOUSEPLANTS

These plants handle our dry Central Valley air and the temperature fluctuations of a typical Tulare County home exceptionally well, all while being low-maintenance!

Pothos (Golden or Neon): Very common in local nurseries like Luis’ Nursery in Visalia. They are incredibly forgiving and can trail down shelves or climb.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria): The ultimate survivor. It handles low light and doesn't mind the dry air when your heater is running in January.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Extremely drought-tolerant. If you forget to water it during a busy week, it won't even flinch.

Spider Plant: Great for hanging baskets. They love the bright, indirect light common in our sun-drenched valley homes.

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra): It’s called "Cast Iron" because it’s nearly impossible to kill. It handles the low light of our foggy winters and the dry air of our summers without dropping a single leaf.

Rubber Tree (Ficus Elastica): These have thick, waxy leaves (usually dark burgundy or variegated pink) that are built to hold onto moisture. They grow into beautiful indoor trees if you have a sunny corner.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 3 4 6

Dragon Tree (Dracaena Marginata): These look like little palm trees on skinny stems. They are great for adding height to a room and are very drought-tolerant.

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TULARE COUNTY CARE TIPS

Summer Care (The Heat)

Keep plants away from south-facing windows. Our summer sun is intense and will scorch leaves through the glass.

Check soil more frequently. AC units pull moisture out of the air and the soil.

High Priority. Use a humidifier or group plants together to create a "mini-climate."

LOCAL PESTS TO WATCH FOR

Winter Care (The Fog/Chill)

Move plants closer to windows. The fog can make days very dark, and your plants will crave the extra light.

Reduce watering. Most indoor plants go dormant in winter. Overwatering is the #1 killer during our damp winters.

Moderate priority. Heaters dry out the air significantly. Keep plants away from floor vents.

In our agricultural hub, some pests easily hitch a ride indoors:

Spider Mites: They love our dry, dusty summers. If you see tiny webs, wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth immediately.

Fungus Gnats: Common in the winter if you overwater your plants while the air is cool. Let the top inch of soil dry out completely.

Pro Tip: If you’re having trouble watering your plants, try bottom watering! Depending on the size of your plant, place it in a bowl of water or the tub, and let it sit for 10-30 minutes. Once it stops soaking up the water, it’s ready to go!

May our tips keep your plants’ roots surviving and your green thumb thriving.

APRIL SEE MAY FLOWERS

Words by Lifestyle Staff

LANTANA

Aswe continue into spring, and soon summer, gardening stays a hot topic. In March, we learned about the steps to start a garden with Luis’ Nursery. In this issue, we learn all about horticulture with the Master Gardener program and some tips for keeping your indoor plants healthy.

But there’s still one thing we’re missing to have blooming color in our homes and gardens. Flowers!

In the Central Valley, April is the sweet spot. The risk of frost is gone, but the triple-digit heat hasn't arrived yet. It is the absolute best time to get roots in the ground so they can establish themselves and thrive before July.

Zinnia

ZINNIA

• Zinnias are the undisputed champions of the Central Valley summer. They love the heat and actually thrive in the dry air.

• Why April: Direct-sow seeds now, and they will be blooming by Memorial Day.

• Local Tip: They are butterfly magnets, perfect for a "pollinator pocket" in a suburban backyard.

Lantana

• If you want color without a massive water bill, Lantana is the answer. Once established, it is incredibly drought-tolerant.

• Variety: Look for "Confetti" (pink, yellow, and purple) or "Gold Mound" for a solid pop of Tulare yellow.

• April Task: Prune back any woody old growth from last year to make room for the rapid April surge.

EEDS, OWERS

SALVIA SUNFLOWER

Salvia (Sage)

Many Salvias are native to California or similar Mediterranean climates, making them perfect for our "Locally Grown" issue.

Top Pick: Salvia greggii (Autumn Sage). Despite the name, it starts its show in April and grows until the first frost.

The Look: Deep reds, hot pinks, and purples that won't fade in the 100°F sun.

Sunflowers: The Agricultural Classic

Nothing says "Summer" like a towering sunflower. Since we are an ag hub, planting these feels like a nod to the surrounding fields.

Why April: The soil is finally warm enough (60°F to 70°F) for quick germination.

Fun Idea: Plant a sunflower house for kids by sowing seeds in a giant square with a doorway.

The "April Dirt" Checklist

• Mulch, Mulch, Mulch: Apply 3 inches of wood chips or bark around new April plantings. It keeps moisture in and helps keep the roots cool.

• Irrigation Check: Before the heat hits, check your drip lines. A clogged drip in April is a dead plant in June.

• The 10 AM Rule: In the Valley, try to get your planting done before 10 AM. It’s easier on you and the plant’s stress levels during the cooler mornings!

Words by Lifestyle Staff

The75° sunshine that March delivered has us absolutely drooling at the thought of fresh berries. And come April - the start of berry picking season - us strawberry lovers know we’re in for a treat!

For Tulare County residents, our strawberry stands are more than just a humble roadside stop. They’re local landmarks - where the fruit is often picked just hours before it hits your kitchen table (if you can resist eating the whole box on the way home).

While there isn't an official list of every roadside stand in Tulare County, most locals know exactly where to find their favorite stand… and to make sure they show up early!

We rounded up a list of all of the fruit stands we could find - and a few tasty recipes for you to enjoy during peak berry season.

RE CI PE

Irresistible Strawberry Salsa

A perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.

Mix ingredients together, refrigerate for an hour, and serve as a topping or dip!

1. 1 pint finely diced strawberries

2. ¼ cup finely diced red onion

3. 1 medium jalapeno, finely diced and deseeded

4. 3 tablespoons fresh chopped and destemmed cilantro

5. 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

6. 1 teaspoon honey

7. ½ teaspoon salt

*Recipe from Healthyfoodiegirl.com

Strawberry Croissants

2 3

3

5. 7oz jar of Jet Puffed Marshmallow Creme 1 1 2

Keeping springtime bites seasonal and scrumptious!

Mix the strawberries and the sugar. Whip the marshmallow creme and the cream cheese until fully mixed. Slice the croissants, open-faced style. Layer the marshmallow mixture and the strawberries. Close the croissants and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

1. 2lbs chopped strawberries

2. 2 tablespoons sugar

3. 8 croissants

4. 8oz pack of cream cheese

Great in spring sips like iced matcha, lemonade, and cocktails!

Combine ingredients in a pot on medium low heat to dissolve sugar. Stir and bring to a boil (about 10 minutes) until strawberries are soft and mushy. Remove from heat and let cool. Mash down the strawberries.

For a puree texture, transfer to a clean container, or stain for a syrup consistency. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

1. 1-2 cups chopped and destemmed fresh strawberries

2. 1 cup sugar

3. 1 cup water

4. 1 tablespoon lemon juice

A LOOK BACK ON OUR HOMEGROWN HERO

How quickly memories fade! Annie R. Mitchell, known to many as the ‘Queen of History’, has only been gone for a little over a quarter century, yet many in her realm don’t even remember her name. So I thought it was time to revisit the life of this legendary and remarkable Tulare County native who taught us so much about our history.

Annie Rosalind Mitchell was born on July 10, 1906 in the little mining camp of White River (now a ghost town) in the foothills of southern Tulare County. Her parents, Deborah and Mike, owned and operated a general store there. They sold a variety of general merchandise, and carried a special line of products for miners and stockmen.

The family eventually moved to Ducor, where Annie attended grammar school. She went to Porterville High, then earned her degree from U. C. Berkeley. While at the university she considered proceeding on to law school, but the legal field at the time was not considered a proper career for females. Instead, she set her sights on public school teaching.

Her first teaching assignment was in 1927 at Thermal School, a small one room schoolhouse near Ducor in the south county. She taught there for two years, then moved on to teach at her alma mater in Ducor.

As the health of both her parents declined, the family moved to Visalia, buying a house at 701 Watson Ave. Annie lived with them as their caregiver and taught at nearby Jefferson School. From there, she transferred to Visalia Union High School (later becoming Redwood High) where she taught English. Eventually, she became a student counselor, then a dean of girls, and finally head counselor. In 1964 she retired from teaching high school, earning the prestigious “Teacher of the Year” award. This concluded her classroom career, but her teaching continued.

As a young lady, she saw family members pass away and began to recognize the importance of local history. She noticed that so much history died with them, and she began to understand the importance of capturing local history before it was gone. Early on she saw the importance of the newspaper in sharing history, so this print medium became the outlet for her to educate us about the stories of our past.

By 1950, Annie was already recognized by the Visalia TimesDelta as someone who “knows more about the early day history of Visalia and its pioneers” than anyone else. They called her an able historian and writer. The Delta announced that she would be writing a series of historical articles that would be called “Golden Memories.” This series became part of the town’s centennial celebration in 1952. Her amazing collection of 52 stories and biographies can still be found today tucked into scrapbooks. The articles serve as an excellent launching point for anyone trying to learn about local history. And she had more stories to come!

The Delta asked Annie to write another series of history articles in 1971 called “Tales of the Tules.” The weekly articles focused on Tulare County history, but would occasionally touch on broader Valley history.

Annie’s writings were not limited to the newspaper. She wrote six books: King of the Tulares (1941), Land of the Tules (1949), Jim Savage & the Tulareno Indians (1957), Visalia—Her First Fifty Years (1963), Sites to See (1983), and The Way It Was (1987).

Annie was a frequent speaker for service clubs and various other organizations. In 1933, she gave her first talk on county history to the Visalia Woman’s Club. In one of her most popular programs, “Ladies, Shady and Otherwise”, she included famous and infamous women of the old west.

In 1944, Annie Mitchell and a few others decided to form a county historical society. Pioneer Adolph Sweet became the first president of the Tulare County Historical Society. Four years later the Tulare County Museum was formed and Annie was named its first curator. During this time, she also served as the society’s secretary, a position she held for many years.

Over time, she received a variety of awards, acknowledgements and recognitions. In 1984 the History Room at the Tulare County/City Library was renamed the Annie R. Mitchell History Room. In 1989, the library at Redwood High School was named in her honor. In 2007 the Visa lia Unified School District trustees voted to name one of the two newly built schools in her namesake:The Annie R. Mitchell Elementary School.

In 1974, she was named Visalia’s first Woman of the Year, and in 1990 she was inducted into the Visalia Education Foundation Hall of Fame. And her list of awards goes on and on. But there was one honor that Annie seemed to be especially proud of—the Annie R. Mitchell Rose. It was a special miniature rose that Ralph Moore, the famous local rose breeder and Annie’s good friend, created for her. After years of careful work, Ralph presented her with a surprising and meaningful 90th birthday gift: A corsage made up of newly bred yellow miniature roses. Look around Visalia to find these special flowers still growing in many yards.

Miss Annie R. Mitchell passed away in Visalia on August 15, 2000, at the age of 94. Vernon Porter, a student of hers at Visalia Union High, wrote these lines of prose about her shortly after her passing. In part he wrote,

“It seems as though every once in a while, Over the span of time, God sends a unique life, Ah yes, in our time at Visalia High School, Class 1938-1942, we met and learned from Annie Mitchell. One who was small, enthusiastic and caring.”

If ever the memory of Annie Mitchell begins to fade, it won’t take long to revive. Just drive past a school, pick up a book, glance at a newspaper or smell a miniature rose, and there she will be.

April Agenda

Spring is better when it's spent locally. Come see what's happening in our neighborhoods this April

APRIL

2

Thursday

Painting in Nature Annual Spring Carnival & Eggsstravaganza

When: 5-7pm

Where: Prosperity Sports Park

Hosted by: City of Tulare https://shorturl.at/3umQH

APRIL

4

APRIL 11

Saturday

Rock ‘N’ Roll Brewfest

When: 1-5pm

Where: The Creative Center

Hosted by: The Creative Center https://shorturl.at/Of5Ux

APRIL 17

Saturday Friday

Spring Fling Makers Market

When: 10am-3pm

Where: Exeter Memorial Building

Hosted by: Craftymove https://shorturl.at/RO863

Annual Car Show

When: Fri 3pm - Sat 6pm

Where: Downtown Kingsburg

Hosted by: Kingsburg District Chamber of Commerce https://shorturl.at/Nohl7

KINGSBURG

APRIL 9

Thursday

DTV Farmer’s Market

When: 5-8pm

Where: Downtown Visalia on Church & Main

Hosted by: Downtown Visalia’s Certified Farmer’s Market www.downtownvisaliafarmersmarket.com

APRIL

24

Friday

Cigar and Bourbon

When: 5-8pm

Where: Garden St. Plaza

Hosted by: Downtown Visalians https://shorturl.at/Or6RW

PARTY FOR THE PLANET FRIDAY, APRIL 24

City of Visalia Programs & Community Events for All Ages!

Looking Forward

Hungry for more? Pull up a chair for our upcoming “Food & Drink” issue. We’re exploring the county’s most refreshing plates, pours, pastries, and more this May. Join us in celebrating the artisans and ingredients that define our local culinary map. From farm-totable favorites to the freshest spring cocktail, you won’t want to miss a single taste.

Executive Editor Stephanie Steelman

Creative Editor Sam Justice

Editorial & Advertising Coordinator Chelsi Stark

Content Editor Danielle Nederend

Designers Daniel Borgatto, William Yamauti

Photographers Carly Vagim

Advertising and General Inquiries lifestyle@root.marketing

Sales Office 111 W Main Street, Visalia CA 93291 559.702.1383 View this Issue Online visalialifestyle.com

Visalia’s Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and is distributed via direct mail to homes in Visalia. Additional copies are distributed at various rack and countertop locations around Visalia, Tulare, Exeter, Three Rivers and Kingsburg. Distribution is subject to change. Views expressed in articles and on advertisements are those of the writer and advertiser and not necessarily those of Lifestyle Magazine or Root. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings, and omissions. If an error is found, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us of the mistake.

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