September is preparing to make its final bow. It has brought us a season so loved and known for its multicolored leaves, cooler days, hot apple cider, pumpkins and the gift of nostalgia.
It’s time for crops to be harvested, sweaters to come out of the closet and nestling in once more to prepare for the parade of holidays to come.
I have memories of raking leaves into a pile, only to jump into it with relish and then starting all over again. I begin to think of baking again and turning on my oven now that my home doesn’t feel like one anymore.
During this time of year, I’m also busy thinking about the joys of personal harvests and the fine harvest the Central Valley gives us throughout the year.
We may not all be farmers in this fertile valley we live in, but we are certainly blessed with its bounty. Nowhere can you find fresher, crisper or sweeter produce than what grows in our mutual backyard. I salute all the wonderful farmers who literally bring nature’s harvest to our table.
One of my very favorite things about our rich valley is our farmers markets. I have learned to follow them and delight in them. I not only enjoy the luxury of having the freshest and best produce, but I also enjoy having the opportunity to talk to the people who helped grow it.
I hail from Michigan, where I once believed they grew the sweetest cherries and the plumpest pumpkins. But I have been proven wrong: The valley’s cherries are the sweetest I’ve ever enjoyed, and its pumpkins would make Charlie Brown himself beam with delight.
Our farmers’ hours are long, and their crops can be fickle due to the mercurial weather that also inhabits our fine valley. Our weather is, well, often rather hot.
While our rainfall is usually stingy, making some of us want to learn how to do a proper rain dance, there are times when the rain pours. This overflow of much-needed rain can, at times, cause flooding, since our ground is so dry that it just cannot absorb it all at once.
Just ask any farmer what an ill-timed downpour can do to their crops. There are times when all the farmers’ hard work and investment can go down the drain.
Personally, I honor the Parreira family for their production of fine almonds, which are not only nutritious but also delicious and are great treats to keep your heart healthy. Then there are the Brandis, Gene and Christine, who create such heavenly honey.
The Yriarte family is just one of many sheep growers who provide such sweet and succulent lamb for our dinner tables.
Speaking of lamb, Los Banos is famous for its Wool Growers Restaurant, where people travel from near and far to taste its amazing lamb dishes, served family style. They also serve the best Portuguese wine.
We also enjoy a bountiful harvest of activities and nature’s majesty to enjoy. In our valley, we host numerous rich traditions because of our agriculture and varied cultures.
We have a huge Portuguese population, and it serves up wondrous dishes and celebrations. Thank you to Lou Vierra for introducing me to this wondrous culture. Its festas are legendary, and oh, the sopas.
Many Italians came to our valley as well and brought their rich culture and fine cuisine. I have learned to dunk homemade biscotti into my wine thanks to Rhoda Garcia. I learned the magic that is Easter pie from June Erreca, each of these pure magic to the palate.
M&M’s Italian Restaurant in Los Banos also serves fine Italian food, and its tiramisu is to die for. Of course, we have the blessing of the Basque people and their wonderful food and rich culture as well.
While this valley is a fine place to grow food, it is also a healthy place to grow our families.
Unlike many areas where communities are too large to have that down-home feel, our valley is steeped in that unique American small-city feel while also meeting the needs and demands of this quickly growing land of opportunity.
People get to know their neighbors and serve each other through the vast variety of active volunteer groups.
Living in Los Banos was my first introduction to the world of Future Farmers of America (FFA), and I saw firsthand how well-organized and supported this nationwide program is. My granddaughter, Jessica Abejuela, was a member and benefited from it greatly.
I believe I’m still recovering from the sale of her pig, and yes, I cried when it was sold. Jessica also gained much from being involved in the speech contest sponsored by the Lions Club, another great group that I was proud of as a member.
The Kiwanis and Elks Lodge Clubs are hard-working organizations that give to the community and know how to have fun. The Kiwanis Club’s annual Christmas Eve dinner is a work of love.
I loved being a member of the Rotary Club, a service group with broad wings that supports our community.
I was also a member of the Soroptimist Club for over 25 years, serving as president for two years. I can vouch for all that this hard-working group of women does much for our community and for women around the globe.
I loved every moment I was a member and made so many wonderful friends. It was June Erreca, once more my mentor, who introduced me to the group.
The Los Banos Arts Council was a board I was proud to serve on, and its gift to the entire valley in entertainment is immense. I have spent so many amazing evenings there—what a gem. Check it out!
Our Central Valley is proud of its history, which you can learn about by visiting its wide range of museums.
I must brag about the Milliken Museum, run by a great group of volunteers, and yes, June Erreca, who introduced me to that group as well. When you are in Los Banos, stop by and visit.
The valley loves to celebrate, and there are grand county fairs, parades, crafts fairs, tomato festivals, car shows, sports events, Christmas activities, Mother’s Day events, street fairs and more to attend.
Check out all that our valley has to offer, and you will feel even prouder to belong here.
Why, I feel safe in saying you could spend every weekend checking out things and never run out of things to do or places to visit, and heaven knows you’re going to dine fine while you are out and about.
Ours is a wide and vast valley, filled with welcoming communities that would love you to come visit. Since moving to Fresno, I have discovered another whole side of wonders, like an amazing zoo, underground gardens, a musical theater and impressive art museums.
Why not take the drive over to Clovis, where there’s a huge and famous rodeo? It is the gateway to the wonders that are Yosemite.
And, I can never say this enough, spend your money in the valley. If you need or want it, we have it here.
Wow, I have so much to tell, and I am out of room. But remember this: When you tell your friends you are from the Central Valley, be proud of it.
