DID newsletter
August
Modesto Downtown News
Here’s the scoop on Loard’s Ice Cream & Candy
Hot
summer days just got cooler now that Modesto has a Loard’s! Prior to
the June opening, as passersby watched the store take shape, the area
around Tenth Street Plaza was abuzz with anticipation. “Everybody had
been waiting for us to open up, wanting ice cream,” said Melody
Rodriguez, co-owner with husband Mark. “This has been thrilling for me.
The response has been overwhelming. The city has so many events down
here, people are out in droves.”
Many Modesto residents are
acquainted with Loard’s, having visited the popular Bay Area chain in
various locations along the east 580 corridor over the years. Fans will
be pleased to know that in addition to Modesto, Loard’s stores are also
opening in Riverbank, Tracy, and the Sacramento area. The 54 year-old
company churns out 54 flavors of premium ice cream, plus
melt-in-your-mouth fine chocolates, and more.
Treat your
sweet tooth to a luscious ice cream cone, smooth milkshake, or one of
Loard’s classic specialty sundaes. The Black & White features
vanilla ice cream blanketed with hot fudge, along with marshmallow
topping over chocolate ice cream, plus nuts, whipped cream, and a
cherry. Or try a Black & Tan, with vanilla ice cream draped in hot
fudge, and toasted almond ice cream under caramel, with nuts, whipped
cream, and a cherry.
If you like bananas, the Fudge-Ana, a hot
fudge sundae bathed in sliced bananas, has appeal. Other indulgences
include the Mocha Treat, Mint Delight, Peter Pan, Caramel Pecan, Dusty
Road, Coffee Delight, Cherry Hawaiian, Banana Special, and more. Melody
explained that the Banana Special is Loard’s version of a banana split.
“I don’t know how anyone can eat one by themselves.”
Melody
pointed out that Loard’s is also famous for its old-fashioned ice cream
sodas. “Until recently, I’d never had one before, but my mom grew up on
them. They’re great! We also have all kinds of floats, including root
beer, orange, and Pepsi, plus a cherry-cola flavored float made with Dr.
Slice, which is really good.”
Mark and Melody don’t mind if we
spill the beans about their unique ice-cream-enhanced coffee selections
and Chai tea, plus their Jelly Belly collection at the candy counter.
Speaking of candy, if you’re a chocolate lover who craves the best, come
early, come often to enjoy the unmatched quality of Loard’s
kitchen-fresh New York Truffles, Mint Meltaways, English toffee, thin
mints, and other confectionery delights.
Have a special occasion
coming up? Soon the store will do you a favor, presenting greeting
cards and balloon bouquets. When matched with Loard’s popular ice cream
cakes, parties will be something to celebrate!
In a switch from
the traditional pink and white décor characteristic of many Loard’s
stores, the downtown Modesto location is awash with bright, contemporary
colors that span walls, chairs, even employees’ shirts. “Unlike fast
food, ice cream is an experience. It’s a destination. We’ve created a
very welcome feeling with warm, happy colors,” said Melody. “We’ve also
hired wonderful, outgoing youth with good people skills. We’re excited
to serve the community.”
Mark, a 33-year Albertson’s veteran,
brings his store management background to the table, while Melody, a
FedEx courier for 22 years, dishes out customer service expertise.
Melody couldn’t be happier about opening this store. She believes they
were destined to do this someday, and credits the opportunity to divine
providence. “For the past 16 years, I’ve wanted to have a fun, happy
business. This is a dream come true; it’s very exciting.”
Loard’s Ice Cream & Candy
1002 10th St.
577-6798
M-W 12 noon-9:00 p.m.
Th-Sat 12:00 noon-11:00 p.m.
Closed Sun.
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Old-fashioned personalized service sets RC David apart
What
if you could select a great gift on your busy lunch hour and have it
gift-bagged and brought to your office that afternoon? For the
time-challenged — and those with time to browse — RC David fine gifts,
home, and garden comes through! “If you need to get back to work, just
give me a name and I’ll wrap the item and bring it right over,” said Ron
David, co-owner with wife Carol.
“I’ve been in retail for 35
years. Opening a store like this has always been my dream. I’m probably
the only retail salesman in the industry who puts his home number on his
business card. That’s just how I feel. I’m in it for the customers.”
Drop
in and smooth a dab of Crabtree & Evelyn lotion on your hand as you
saunter through the area’s widest selection of luxurious C & E bath
and body products. Close your eyes and take in the exhilarating aroma
of row after row of exotic candle scents. Check out Narsai David’s
marmalades and Assyrian barbecue sauces. (Yes, that Narsai David; the
popular KCBS Food & Wine Editor is Ron’s cousin). Discover Valley
Sun Products from Newman, Sciabica olive oil, plenty of gourmet kitchen
products, plus fine home décor, including decorator furniture, chairs,
lamps, vases, pictures, mirrors, and more.
Ron and Carol’s
valley heritage spans many generations. “My grandfather was one of the
first Assyrians in Turlock in 1903,” said Ron. “My mother was the first
baby and first girl to be put in the Faith Home orphanage on Faith Home
Road. My wife Carol is from a third-generation farm family (Mohler) in
Ripon.” She’s been a teacher for 22 years. “Carol is a big help with
buying. She has very good taste, and almost went into decorating.”
Ron
added that the “real boss” of the establishment is their pet schnauzer,
Schatzi, whose full name is Schatzi Yohan Mohler David.
The
store opened August 1. Look for RC David’s festive grand opening
Saturday, August 16, from X to X. “We’ll have hors d’oeuvres, drinks,
and taste-testing. Our reps will demonstrate products, and Narsai may
stop by. Everyone is welcome — it’ll be a lot of fun.”
RC David
1501 J St.
236-1501
hours TBA
Closed TBA
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Infinite Creations adds catering for one-stop event planning
As
soon as you see the building, you’ll recognize it as the one with
pillars and special character, stationed at Needham and College, near
the new freeway exit. Housed in Pump Station #9, an historical landmark
built in the 1930s, Infinite Creations Flowers, Coffee & Catering
piques curiosity. “A lot of people peek through the windows, see the
pump, and come in,” explained Tammy Cunha, co-owner with husband
Michael.
Customers are impressed that the unique flower and
coffee shop has expanded its offerings to include on-site catering and
coordination. “We customize the menu for your event, whether it’s a
wedding, birthday party, anniversary, or other gathering,” said Tammy.
“We
can provide invitations, equipment rentals, catering, favors, cake,
floral arrangements, DJ, limo service, and more. It’s a pretty good
deal, since you don’t pay an event planner — we do it all.”
Free
consultations are available. Other services include weekly floral
arrangements, sympathy arrangements, and catered business lunches. For
more information, visit www.infinitecreations.us.
Infinite Creations
1024 Needham Ave.
548-0714
M 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
T-F 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Weekends by appt.
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Fit more in less space with Space Concepts
Are
your closets a disaster? What about your garage? Maybe it’s time to
shelve your old storage methods and call Space Concepts. The area’s only
full-service custom storage specialist, Space Concepts can redo your
closets, garage, kitchen pantry, bathroom areas, storage rooms, even
your home office. Commercial shelving is also available.
“Just
bring us your measurements, and we’ll take care of the rest,” said
Lawrence Brown, an owner-partner in the relocated store. Brown, whose
experience spans 17 years in custom organization, explained that Space
Concepts recently moved into the 100-year-old 7-up building. “The
surface texturing and trim have been totally redone,” said Brown, “but a
lot of the original design was left intact.”
Brown pointed out
that the store offers guests a retail environment, plus a showroom
design area, where they can view closets and cabinetry on display. “This
is the first store of its type in this area,” said Brown. “Customers
can see displays of 500 different products that organize bikes, sports
equipment, and more.
“Customers who bring in measurements can
draw out the design, see the results right here on our computers, and
get an idea of how the space will look in their home,” explained Brown.
“While you could go to Home Depot or OSH and do it yourself to save
money, we’re the only full-service company that does everything for you
without the high expense.
“We carry three different product
lines with three price ranges. All of our products are high quality, and
we’re flexible as far as costs, so we suit all different types of
customers. Our ongoing closet special is an 8-foot closet system for
$159 installed. In most situations, that same closet would run at least
$600-$700.” Learn more about Space Concepts at www.spaceconcepts.net.
Space Concepts
1518 9th St.
236-1571
M-Sat. 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
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Hands down, Bliss is the ultimate nail spa
You’ve
got to hand it to Tammy Wright, owner of Bliss hand and foot spa. A
licensed manicurist for the past seven years, and former owner of the
full-service salon, Identities, she’s nailed down a new specialty:
pampering hands and feet.
Wright’s clients, who have followed
her to her new location between the DoubleTree and the Brighter Side,
revel in relaxing manicures and pedicures. “I offer a detailed hand and
foot spa experience, with rose water hand and foot soaks using real
flowers and essential oils, a pad placed over the neck and temples, and
more.”
Clients can choose from a range of manicure and pedicure
treatments, and select from a number of nail enhancements. “I focus on
natural nail care; I really like natural-looking nails, however, I also
do everything from ‘pinks and whites’ and acrylics, to glitter acrylics
and airbrushing,” said Wright.
Come to Bliss for custom-scented
bath products. “The essential oils you select are added to unscented
bath products to create your own personal line,” explained Wright. “Soon
we’ll feature candles and handmade soaps. Some of the soaps come with a
loofah exfoliant mixed in. They’re awesome,” said Wright. “I also
retail out for local artists. People can consign their art here,
including jewelry, handbags, photography — even pajamas! The artist in
me wants to help talented local people to ‘be seen.’”
Wright
explained that she named her shop Bliss because “it’s the highest
intensity of happiness, like spiritual ecstasy.” She invites customers
to escape to Bliss to relax. “This is a place where people can be
comfortable and enjoy a spa experience.”
Bliss
1113 K St.
526-4667
Open by appt.:
M-F 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sat 8:00 a.m.-12 noon
Closed Sun.
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Fun, safe atmosphere top priorities at Stifler’s teen nightclub
“Downtown
Modesto now has a safe place you can send your teens to have a good
time dancing,” said Stifler’s owner Rob McLaughlin. “Our whole thrust is
to have an adult nightclub for teenagers.
“As far as décor, we
have a huge blue room and a huge red room. Our tropical theme is a nod
toward the movie, ‘American Pie,’” said McLaughlin. Stifler’s,
pronounced “Stiffler’s,” was “named after the party guy in the movie.
His house was where all the parties were.
“In keeping with the
nightclub format, we serve no food. We feature all non-alcoholic
beverages, including energy drinks like Rock Star and Red Bull. Sound
Express, a local DJ, provides full sound and high-end lighting effects,”
said McLaughlin. The nightclub also showcases local bands and features a
country theme complete with mechanical bull on Thursday nights.
“This
is a very simple and fun, streamlined operation. It’s going to be a
blast. We have good security; it’s a very safe place to be. We have a
17-year-old daughter, so we’re very concerned about the safety aspect of
it,” explained McLaughlin.
McLaughlin, co-owner with wife Gayna,
said that this is their first venture, although Rob has managed similar
operations, including a nightclub in downtown Fresno. “As far as
background, Gayna was General Manager of Laser Quest, and I’m currently
Director of Food & Beverage for Red Lion Hotel. Prior to that, I was
Director of Food & Beverage for Del Rio Country Club. Earlier on, I
was a concert promoter for the Fresno and Modesto areas.”
The
McLaughlins anticipate a thriving establishment. “We’re very excited
about how it’s turned out. It’ll be a lot of fun. Downtown Modesto is a
great area and I love it. Being part of the revitalization is very
exciting.”
Stifler’s
921 10th St.
324-3676
M-T Closed
W – Sat. 8:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. (ages 16-20)
Sun. 8:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. (age 18+)
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Talk it out with Dr. Davis
A
healthy mind is as important as a healthy body. With 20 years in the
field of psychology, Norman A. Davis, PSC, is ready to listen. The
bilingual (English/Spanish) licensed clinical psychologist (Lic. #17314)
provides a wide range of counseling services, from emotional issues or
life problem-solving, to couples counseling and evaluations.
Specializing
in anxiety disorders, Dr. Davis is former Vice President of the
National Anxiety Foundation and is on the Board of Trustees for the
Cambridge Center for Behavior Sciences (Boston, MA).
In addition
to a caring, non-threatening approach, he’s there when you need him.
While it can take up to two months to get in to see most therapists, Dr.
Davis, who sees about 45 people per week, sets aside a few appointment
slots for those seeking more immediate assistance. He accepts most types
of insurance.
Norman A. Davis, PSC
1015 12th St., Suite 2
531-2100
Open by appt.:
M Evenings
T-F 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sat. 8:00 a.m. – 12 noon
Closed Sun.
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Inside Out Fitness offers workouts for working people
If
your busy schedule makes finding time to work out “a stretch,” Bonnie
McKuin, owner of Inside Out Fitness, can help. A certified personal
trainer with 10 years of experience, McKuin offers convenient 30-minute
classes for workers downtown at her personal training studio located
next to Oceana, behind Gypsy clothing boutique.
“A lot of people
want to get their workouts over with and head back to work in record
time,” said McKuin, “so I offer mid-day and late afternoon group classes
(11:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.), and private and semi-private training by
appointment.”
Instead of using heavy machines, her method
employs “free range of motion, which is less intimidating to a lot of
people,” said McKuin. “For example, yoga is weight-bearing and doesn’t
require monotonous machines.” Instead, she utilizes cable bands and body
bars in her yoga and Pilates training.
McKuin specializes in
weight loss, and gives all of her private and semi-private clients
individual evaluations both at the outset and later on, to track
progress. “I work intensely with them; they get one-on-one attention.
And all of my clients have succeeded, I’m happy to report,” said McKuin.
Sunshine adds warmth to her programs. “I do lots of personal
training outdoors to take advantage of the wonderful weather,” said
McKuin. “People will start to notice my troops outside walking
downtown.”
McKuin also teaches outdoor yoga at La Loma Park on
Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m., at least until the weather forces the group
indoors. “I’m doing yoga in the park and having a great time,” said
McKuin. The class is limited to 30 people, so its best to phone in to
make sure there’s room. Drop-ins are accepted if space permits. Clients
appreciate her “pay per class” system. “People are turned off by
contracts. This way, you can take a few classes without being locked
into a long-term agreement.”
Inside Out Fitness, with its unique
combination of indoor/outdoor personal and group training, can help you
achieve your fitness goals. “It’s exciting to see the way this has all
fallen into place. My whole dream was to utilize fitness inside and
outside,” she explained, “and it’s happened. I love what I do. Improving
the life of someone else and having a positive impact is so
fulfilling.”
Inside Out Fitness
920 13th St., Suite B
324-1735
Open by appt.
or class only
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New Businesses in the Downtown Improvement District
Bay Area Coating Consultants (name change only)
1119 K St.
577-3666
The Funhouse
1006 J St.
345-5908
Reed & Jacob Associates at Law
821 13th St., Suite C
578-3505
Sterling Capital Mortgage Company
1301 L St.
550-5500
Titan Capital Management, LLC
1500 J St.
529-3089
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Upcoming events
Aug. TBA Chili Cookoff
Nov. 11 Veterans’ Day Parade
Dec. 1-24 Reindeer gives out candy canes
Dec. 6 Christmas Parade
To learn more about downtown Modesto, visit our Web site:
modestodowntownimprovementdistrict.com
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Modesto Downtown News Board of Directors
Romy Angle, St. Stan’s Brewing Co.
Bart Barringer, Law Firm of Mayol & Barringer
Eric Benson, J.S. West and Co.
Frank Boots, Architecture Plus
David Boring, Never Boring Design
Andrew Mendlin, Law Firm of Curtis & Arata
Norma Reed, Basic Resources, Inc.
Tom Slater, Drexel Heritage by Slater’s
Keeley Stackhouse, Stackhouse Home Décor
Creative Team
Nancy Young, Executive Director
Heidi Howell, Writer/Editor
Melody MacMurray, Designer
Modesto
Downtown News is published by the Downtown Improvement District (DID).
The DID promotes and supports the development and enhancement of
Modesto’s downtown. For newsletter contributions or information about
the DID, please contact Nancy Young at 529-9303.
© HHWS for Downtown Improvement District
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