HOLIDAY FUN WITH THE STICKS!

Transcription

1 The No Sweat Gazette Extra Edition January, 2019 HOLIDAY FUN WITH THE STICKS! B ecause The No Sweat Gazette comes out in early December and not again until early March, it s difficult to cover Sticks holiday events in a timely manner. Consequently, here s a special Post-Holiday Extra Edition to share some of the exciting and downright fun Sticks events that occurred over the recent holiday period. Many thanks to all of you who submitted photos, articles, and comments to make this Edition possible. And to any of you who may have missed celebrating the holidays with us this time, we hope this Edition will inspire you to join in next year because, as you will see, when it comes to doing the holidays with class, style, and loads of fun, nobody does em like the Sacramento Walking Sticks! Also note: Upcoming walks for Jan, Feb, Mar appear on Pages 13 through 15. John McLaughlin, Editor President Barbara Autumn Nuss 2016 Vice President Beverly Bales Secretary Judy Gregory Treasurer Steve Hughart Page Publicity Barbara Nuss

2 Sutter Creek AVA Walk and Las Posadas By Jeannie and Richard Whitlock No Sweat Gazette Roving Reporters n December 8, a cool Saturday O morning, we drove to Sutter Creek (via Starbucks) to join in the Volkssport walk. The drive was absolutely gorgeous as we watched the early morning fog rise up over the grasslands of Sierra foothills. Already, we saw blades of green grass emerging from under the parched dry grass of summer. at least one person (Jean) jokingly whined about the hills. Actually, there was a lot of laughter about another hill!!!! Seems like the route was a bit longer because we took a wrong turn but ultimately it didn t matter, we were there for a walk. After the walk, some folks dined at the Sutter Hotel and others at Gold Dust Pizza. After stopping at a number of locations along the way asking for a room, the weary couple finally find room in a stable. Fortunately, the stable was close to the community center where hot chocolate and cookies were offered after the program furnished by the Creekside United Methodists Church Social Hall. The program ended with the beautiful O Holy Night sung by an accomplished vocalist. We felt like we were living in a Christmas Hallmark Movie. We arrived at our parking destination behind the Community Center early and Jean enjoyed a bit of time basking in the sun. About twenty hardy folks joined in the walk. As this was our third time enjoying this walk, we knew what to We believe we were the only Sticksfolks who spent the night. Three years ago, we did the walk and enjoyed the evening Las Posadas event that Sutter Creek s community churches present. This event seems to begin our Christmas season in a most joyful way. Jean learned a very important lesson the first time she attended this event: DO NOT WALK IN A DIRECT LINE BEHIND THE DONKEY/MULE. Yup, you guessed it. But, the good news is, this particular donkey/ mule poop didn t stick to her shoe... We really don t have words good enough to describe the feelings, expect: HILLS and MORE HILLS. First, we walked the hills on the south side to town. Then, we walked the hills on the east side of town, then we walked the hills on the west side of town. As mentioned, there are lots of hills in Sutter Creek and on this particular Saturday morning There were probably 400 people in the procession or watching from the streets. The streets of Sutter Creek were closed to traffic. The procession began at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and ended at the Community Center. Mary, on her donkey (think she rode a mule in this case), Joseph leading her along, many Shepherds, a truck loaded with speakers and a sound system, and a few hundred folks carrying lit candles following and singing Christmas carols along a luminary lit street. For us, it can t get any better than this. sounds, colors, and sights this evening at the Las Posadas event holds other than: Walking on a cold winter s night with hundreds of happy folks singing Christmas carols, all enjoying the moment and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas it is simply magical. Extra Edition January 2019 Page 2

3 Sacramento Walking Sticks The No Sweat Gazette Gearing Up for the Holidays With a Walk & Eats in Sutter Creek By Theresa Ihara No Sweat Gazette Roving Photographer Extra Edition January 2019 Page 3

4 AVA Walking Amid Christmas Lights in San Antonio By Kris Ericson-Cano Former No Sweat Gazette Editor Editor s Note: To capture the flavor of AVA holiday walks in a distant citiy, the No Sweat Gazette asked Kris for this write-up about San Antonio, Texas. She graciously complied: My favorite San Antonio Christmas lights walk combines portions of two AVA Year Round Walks: The Riverwalk North and the Riverwalk South. Depending on the start time and the weather, I also throw in some fun side trips to the San Fernando Cathedral in the city s Main plaza with its mesmerizing light show and the historic Market Square with its superb Mexican restaurants and fiesta-style decorations and music. But let s stick with the Riverwalk for now. Trust me, it is enough to make you add Christmas in San Antonio to your bucket list. outdoor entertainment venues. For Christmas its huge tree is decorated with cowboy boots and hats. Dazzling lights are strewn everywhere and free activities at their outdoor stage area include the traditional Posada, a reenactment of Mary and Joseph s search for lodging in Bethlehem. they motor past you. When Kathy Ellis visited me, we actually had the added joy of happening upon a Hanukkah celebration at the Arneson River Theater. We watched people enthusiastically dance to the jubilant sounds of the Horah. This year Anne Ofsink was with me as we walked along the River Walk, spellbound by the thousands and thousands of sparkling light strings plunging down from the trees along the shore and perfectly draped on the bridges, restaurants, and shops. To add to the holiday bliss, many of the nearby office buildings and hotels are painted in flood lights with Christmas shades of green and red. Taking in all of this Christmas cheer, I feel that same joy in my heart that I did as a child when we would go to downtown Sacramento to see the decorated windows at Breuners, Hales, and Weinstocks. When walkers visit me from California, I like to start them out at the Pearl, a former brewery, which is on the Riverwalk North AVA event. The Pearl has been converted into an amazing complex of restaurants, shops, apartments, 5-star hotel, and From the Pearl, we walk along the river south toward downtown, passing apartments, condos, office buildings, and restaurants decorated with their Christmas best. Beneath the waters of the river, lights shine in seasonal colors as the river boats glide over them with their lighted hulls. But the best is when we reach the downtown River Walk with all of its restaurants and music and festivities. If your timing is right, you hear people caroling on the river boats as As all my friends know, I am a totally dedicated Californian. However, I have to say that Christmas on the San Antonio River Walk alone is worth a visit to the Lone Star State. Yeehaw! Editor s Note: The annual Sacramento Walking Sticks Holiday/Christmas Party is enormously popular among Sticks members. Currently, it is held at the Casa Garden Restaurant in Sacramento. Sticks member and former Sticks President Heidi Foster has been in charge of making these annual festive celebrations happen. So how did these parties end up at the Casa Garden Restaurant? How long have they been held there? And what s involved in putting them all together? The No Sweat Gazette asked Heidi those questions, and she generously responded with her comments on the following pages. Extra Edition January 2019 Page 4

5 I Sacramento Walking Sticks The No Sweat Gazette The Sticks Holiday Parties Making em All Happen By Heidi Foster Photos by Bruce Calkins, No Sweat Gazette Roving Photographer proved to be a hit with our members, and as the years went by I added the 12 days of Christmas song as it is today, new games each time, and of course the raffle. We have donated toys, books, and gift cards to the Sacramento Children's Home at our parties, and in started planning the Christmas parties at the Casa Garden Restaurant in At the time I was working at the Casa as a volunteer. Myrna Jackson, a volun- Heidi Foster teer at the Casa working in the garden and the office, had recruited me to work there initially, as a server and then as a Special Event Hostess which ultimately led to my being on the Board as the VP for Special Events. I approached Sticks President Barbara Nuss with the idea of having our Christmas Party at the Casa Garden Restaurant as it is a charitable organization 2016 we donated items for the Crisis Nurseries which are under the umbrella of the Children's Home. Last year was the first year we did not have a Christmas Party. We were looking into another non-profit and a non-profit organization that benefits the Sacramento Children's Home next door. Everyone that works at the restaurant from the servers, hostesses, cashiers, bartenders, gardeners and office staff are volunteers. Only the two chefs, dishwashers and the receptionist are paid employees. It was a good fit for us as we are also a non-profit entity and volunteer run. It restaurant, and when we got the cost breakdown, it was cost prohibitive. By that time, it was too late to plan a party, so we opted for a Spring-fling instead at the clubhouse where I live. It was fun, but we missed the festive holiday party. The Casa Garden Restaurant Extra Edition January 2019 Page 5

6 with everyone's busy holidays. Barbara helps behind the scenes with her publicity machine and reminders to make a reservation. The last few years, Denise Yoshikawa has helped me with the raffle and the prizes which Volunteer Servers is always in need of special events to help support their operations and that of the Children's Home. Although I no longer work there as a volunteer, I still have a loyalty to the restaurant and the people that give of their own time to help the Sacramento Children's Home. Beverly Bales (left), Janet Riley means running all over town purchasing gifts. We try to support those businesses who house our walk boxes or restaurants we frequent after our walks. Beverly Bales, Nancy Alex, Janet Riley, Joanna Watzig, and many others have stepped in to help at the party and come up with games to play. Thank goodness for the internet on Prior to 2012, we had a few parties in old town Elk Grove, a brewery with the best fried pickles I still miss those. We usually had no more than 30 people attending. We now have double that each year, but each year, new people come along with our loyal core providing free games and the ideas of our creative walkers. Some of the games have gotten a little too competitive, but overall it s all in good fun and everyone seems to have a good time. It's always nice to see everyone dressed in fancy street clothes instead of our walking gear. We clean up real good! group. It takes a lot of planning, and we usually book the Casa by August or September to ensure we get a date in the first week of December so as not to compete Extra Edition January 2019 Page 6

7 This slightly altered version of the classic Christmas Song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, was written several years ago by Heidi Foster especially for the Sticks Christmas Parties. Since then, as it is performed every year, it has become a crowd favorite and one of the highlights of each year s party. A WALK OUT IN THE COUNTRY By Heidi Foster (Sung to the tune of The 12 Days of Christmas; each table group stands when singing their line) On the first day of Christmas the sticks gave to me: A walk out in the country. 2 hours later the walk gave to me: 2 shin splints and a walk in the country. 3 hours later the walk gave to me: 3 killer bees, 2 shin splints, and a walk in the country. 4 hours later the walk gave to me: 4 nasty blisters, 3 killer bees, 2 shin splints, and a walk in the country. 5 hours later the walk gave to me: 5 hours loooost, 4 nasty blisters, 3 killer bees, 2 shin splints, and a walk in the country. 6 hours later the walk gave to me: 6 wrong directions, 5 hours loooost, 4 nasty blisters, 3 killer bees, 2 shin splints, and a walk in the country. 7 hours later the walk gave to me: 7 missing path signs, 6 wrong directions, 5 hours loooost, 4 nasty blisters, 3 killer bees, 2 shin splints, and a walk in the country. 8 hours later the walk gave to me: 8 uphill climbs, 7 missing path signs, 6 wrong directions, 5 hours loooost, 4 nasty blisters, 3 killer bees, 2 shin splints, and a walk in the country. 9 hours later the walk gave to me: 9 squishy mud holes, 8 uphill climbs, 7 missing path signs, 6 wrong directions, 5 hours loooost, 4 nasty blisters, 3 killer bees, 2 shin splints, and a walk in the country. 10 hours later the walk gave to me: 10 hours a wandering, 9 squishy mud holes, 8 uphill climbs, 7 missing path signs, 6 wrong directions, 5 hours loooost, 4 nasty blisters, 3 killer bees, 2 shin splints, and a walk in the country. 11 hours later the walk gave to me: 11 Stompers stamping, 10 hours a wandering, 9 squishy mud holes, 8 uphill climbs, 7 missing path signs, 6 wrong directions, 5 hours loooost, 4 nasty blisters, 3 killer bees, 2 shin splints, and a walk in the country. 12 hours later the walk gave to me : 12 pins and patches, 11 Stompers stamping, 10 hours a wandering, 9 squishy mud holes, 8 uphill climbs, 7 missing path signs, 6 wrong directions, 5 hours loooost, 4 nasty blisters, 3 killer bees, 2 shin splints, and a walk in the country. Sticks Doing the Fabulous 40 s Holiday Lights Walk Extra Edition January 2019 Page 7

8 Sacramento Walking Sticks The No Sweat Gazette New Year s Day 2019 With the Sticks At The Social Hall, Pioneer Congregational Church, 2700 L Street And The Mural Walks in Sacramento Photos By Theresa Ihara and Bruce Calkins, No Sweat Gazette Roving Photographers Extra Edition January 2019 Page 8

9 Sacramento Walking Sticks The No Sweat Gazette New Year s Day 2019 With the Sticks Continued... Extra Edition January 2019 Page 9

10 Sacramento Walking Sticks The No Sweat Gazette New Year s Day 2019 With the Sticks Continued... Extra Edition January 2019 Page 10

11 New Year s Day 2019 With the Sticks Continued... Missing Nancy These 2019 Sacramento Walking Sticks New Year s Eve and New Year s Day events combined for an extraordinary success with a record number of walkers, plenty of good eats and drinks, the offering of world-class 5K and 10K Walks through charming neighborhoods trimmed to the hilt with glaring and twinkling holiday lights, past stunning displays of exquisite mural paintings delicately brushed across the sides of many buildings scattered around midtown and downtown Sacramento, and all topped off with simply perfect walking weather. But, alas, during both the behindthe-scenes preparation work and the festivities themselves, we all felt a loss a quiet, sad emptiness, if you will surrounding this year s New Year s Events. That s because Nancy Alex wasn t there. For the past several years, Nancy has pretty much been the driving force behind the Sticks New Year s Events. Each year, of course, it has required the valuable and generous assistance of scores of Sticks volunteers to make these big productions happen with success, but it has always been Nancy who was in charge; it has always been she who orchestrated most of it, made most the pieces fit, whittled down a thousand chaotic details into something manageable that then could be applied toward making these happenings successful and enjoyable. (For much more detail on Nancy s contributions to the New Year Events, please go to www. sacramentowalkingsticks.org then click on newsletters then click on last year s holiday edition next to Winter 2018) But just days before these 2019 New Year s Events, Nancy was injured in a bicycle accident which prevented her from participating fully this year. With Nancy suddenly incapacitated and the New Year s Events looming in the instant future, it took the heroic and monumental effort of some dedicated Sticks members to fill Nancy s very big shoes and make the event a success even in her absence. It wasn t easy, and the experience truly revealed the enormous value of Nancy s contributions to these events year after year. Nevertheless, thanks to those heroic and tireless Sticks members, this year s New Year s Events were a huge success. Next year, though, we sure do need you back at the helm, Nancy! We all send you our very best wishes for a quick and complete recovery from your injuries. Top: Nancy New Year s Day, Left: Nancy New Year s Day 2018 Extra Edition January 2019 Page 11

12 New Special Program Little Free Library by Jane Wirth ast October Craig and I traveled with Walking Adventures International (WAI) on their Northern L Spain tour. We were enchanted with walking in places like the Pyrennes Mountains, Barcelona, San Sabastion, Segovia, and Madrid. One unanticipated bonus of the trip was the many walkers we met from The Greater Des Moines Volkssport Association. Their club takes a yearly trip to other countries and this year they chose WAIs Northern Spain adventure, and filled the trip roster. In addition to history, geography, and cultures of Spain, we learned about this wonderful club that has 150 members and has been in operation since They were very excited about a new special program they have designed that pass by the delightful Little Free Libraries. Before the trip was over, I had handed in my $10 fee to Deb Gaskins the POC for the program, to join in on the adventure of finding LFLs as we do our walks. Once we got home, the book soon arrived in the mail. We have walked many of the SWS routes since we returned from Spain so we could complete our Let s Do 32 Challenge before the end of the year. Since I was aware of the LFL program I was tickled to spot several LFLs while enjoying our 5 Km walks - the Mid-town walk, Sierra Oaks Vista, and TWO on the Fair Oaks walk. We had also seen two on the Etna walk when we were there earlier in the year. Yes, of course we will be walking all of those locations again soon so we can stamp the record book. 4 X 4 Patch for Little Free Library Program Program runs January 1, December 31, Redeem completed books by Dec 31, Little Free Libraries can be found throughout the US, Canada and many countries around the world. Complete 20 AVA sanctioned walks that include a Registered Little Free Library. Registered LFL's have an official charter sign and charter number which will be the qualifier. Unregistered LFL's will not count and only one LFL may be used per walk even if there is more than one on the route. One entry per calendar year is permitted for YRE and Seasonal events. Cost of books is $10. Qualifier for 20 sanctioned events. Order your book from Deb Gaskins, PO Box 110, Des Moines, IA Make check payable to Greater Des Moines Volkssport Association (GDMVA). gaskins.deb@gmail.com phone If you join, when you find a LFL, take a book and leave a book to share. And share information on where LFLs are with others who may be on the trail. Happy walking.happy reading! Look for the LFL official registration number to note in your record book. Information is from the AVA website, ava.org, and The Greater Des Moines Volkssport Association website, sites.google.com/site/walkgdmva Announcing A New Walking Adventure For All Of You Early-Rising Morning Walkers! A thought occurred to me a while back that it would be great fun to walk and see the sun rise and then have a bit of breakfast together when we return to the start location. We re going to give this a tryout in the new year, and I d love to have you join me in this new venture. Our first outing will be in Folsom and the breakfast place will be Karen s Bakery, which is also our start location. We typically eat lunch there after we walk, if they re open, so it ll be fun to try out their breakfast menu. It ll be fun to see each other so early in the morning and hopefully we ll have no issue driving there because the commuters won t be on the road that early. Feel free to share favorite breakfast eateries with me that connect with any of the YRE s (year round events). Nothing is out of reach think Placerville, Buttercup Pantry, or Diggers Deli in Vacaville! Barbara Nuss Extra Edition January 2019 Page 12

13 Upcoming Walks for January, 2019 Tuesday Jan 1 9:00-Noon New Year s Day, Traditional Walk Wednesday Jan 2 6:15 pm Elk Grove Creek Watershed (Evening Walk) Thursday Jan 3 9:00 am West Sacramento River Walk Saturday Jan 5 9:15 am Carmichael Friendship walk Tuesday Jan 8 9:00 am Sacramento CSUS (Meet at Glenn Hall Park) Wednesday Jan 9 6:15 pm Carmichael (Evening Walk) Thursday Jan 10 9:00 am Rancho Cordova Lake Natoma Thursday Jan 10 9:15 am Lincoln Tour (Bicycle) Friday Jan 11 6:30 am Folsom Walk EARLY RISER Saturday Jan 12 9:15 am Sacramento Curtis Park, Friendship Walk Monday Jan 14 10:00 am Road Adventure to Sebastopol Tuesday Jan 15 9:00 am Sacramento Capitol Wednesday Jan 16 6:15 pm Sacramento Campus Commons (Evening Walk) Thursday Jan 17 9:00 am Fair Oaks Saturday Jan 19 9:15 am Elk Grove Creek Watershed, Friendship Walk Monday Jan 21 9:15 am Sacramento Hidden Murals (MLK Day) Monday Jan 21 8:00 pm Elk Grove Charlie Fowble Full Moon Walk Tuesday Jan 22 9:00 am Sacramento Midtown to East Sac Wednesday Jan 23 6:15 pm Sacramento Land Park (Evening Walk) Thursday Jan 24 9:00 am Citrus Heights walk Thursday Jan 24 9:15 am Folsom Tour (Bicycle) Saturday Jan 26 8:30-Noon Holly s Hot Chocolate, Traditional Walk Tuesday Jan 29 9:00 am Elk Grove East Elk Grove Recreational Trails Wednesday Jan 30 6:15 pm Citrus Heights (Evening Walk) Thursday Jan 31 9:00 am Carmichael Hidden Parks For more information about the walks, including start locations, please check the Calendar of Events on the Sticks website: or the weekly Walk Alerts. Extra Edition January 2019 Page 13

14 Upcoming Walks for February, 2019 Saturday Feb 2 9:15 am Cosumnes River Preserve, Friendship Walk (meet at the Preserve) Tuesday Feb 5 9:00 am Sacramento Pocket Area Wednesday Feb 6 6:15 pm Sacramento CSUS (Evening Walk) Thursday Feb 7 9:30 am Galt Thursday Feb 7 9:15 am Davis Tour (Bicycle) Friday Feb 8 6:30 am West Sacramento-River Walk EARLY RISER Saturday Feb 9 9:00-Noon Mare Island, Traditional Event Sunday Feb 10 9:00-Noon Mare Island, Traditional Event Monday Feb 11 10:00 am Road Adventure to Alameda-Victorians Tuesday Feb 12 9:00 am Sacramento Hidden Murals Wednesday Feb 13 6:15 pm Sacramento River/Miller Park (Evening Walk) Thursday Feb 14 9:30 am Lodi (Valentine s Day) Saturday Feb 16 9:15 am Davis University, Friendship Walk Monday Feb 18 9:15 am Carmichael Hidden Parks (President s Day) Tuesday Feb 19 9:00 am Sacramento Elmhurst to East Sac Tuesday Feb 19 8:00 pm West Sac to Clarksburg Full Moon Walk Wednesday Feb 20 6:15 pm Fair Oaks (Evening Walk) Thursday Feb 21 9:00 am Davis South Davis/El Macero Walk Thursday Feb 21 9:15 am Roseville NW Tour (Bicycle) Saturday Feb 23 9:00-Noon San Francisco Golden Gate park, Traditional Walk Tuesday Feb 26 9:00 am Carmichael Wednesday Feb 27 6:15 pm Sacramento American River (Evening Walk) Thursday Feb 28 9:00 am Roseville Maidu Park For more information about the walks, including start locations, please check the Calendar of Events on the Sticks website: or the weekly Walk Alerts. Extra Edition January 2019 Page 14

15 Upcoming Walks for March, 2019 Saturday Mar 2 9:00-Noon Johnny Cash Trail in Folsom, Traditional Walk Tuesday Mar 5 9:00 am Zamora Wednesday Mar 6 6:15 pm Sacramento Arden Park (Evening Walk) Thursday Mar 7 9:00 am Roseville Sculpture Park Walk Thursday Mar 7 9:15 am Rancho Cordova Tour (Bicycle) Friday Mar 8 6:30 am Sacramento Curtis Park, EARLY RISER Saturday Mar 9 9 Noon Santa Cruz, Traditional Walk Sunday Mar 10 9 Noon Santa Cruz, Traditional Walk Tuesday Mar 12 9:00 am Sacramento North Laguna Creek Wednesday Mar 13 6:15 pm Sacramento Ashton Park (Evening Walk) Thursday Mar 14 9:00 am Sacramento Arden Park Thursday Mar 14 3:14 pm Sacramento Campus Commons (Pi Day Celebration) Saturday Mar 16 9:15 am West Sac River Walk, Friendship Walk Monday Mar 18 10:00 am Road Adventure to Pittsburg Tuesday Mar 19 9:00 am Elk Grove Old Town Wednesday Mar 20 8:00 pm Sacramento North Natomas Full Moon Walk Thursday Mar 21 9:30 am Stockton NW Thursday Mar 21 9:15 am Vacaville Tour (Bicycle) Sunday Mar 24 9:15 am Weimar, Friendship Walk Tuesday Mar 26 9:00 am Sacramento South Natomas Wednesday Mar 27 6:15 pm Elk Grove Charlie Fowble (Evening Walk) Thursday Mar 28 9:30 am Vacaville Historic Saturday Mar 30 9:15 am Placerville, Friendship Walk For more information about the walks, including start locations, please check the Calendar of Events on the Sticks website: or the weekly Walk Alerts. Extra Edition January 2019 Page 15