KEEPING WOMEN CONNECTED
JUNE 2025
June
Men’s
Issue
your complimentary
copy of HERLIFE - Enjoy!
Juan
Heredia
Angels
in the
Water
Dedication
W E L C O M E
Enjoy every moment,
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ur community is rich
in so many ways. Each
month we strive to
highlight
communi-
ty members who are doing great
things: some very public, some
behind the scenes. It is always a joy
to talk about these amazing people.
June is our Men’s Issue, the time
when we get to focus on the good
guys in our community. It is �lled
with some pretty cool dudes, and
we know there are so many more out there! One thing that became
very clear to me as we pulled these stories together is “DEDICATION.”
These guys are unwavering in their commitment to their community,
families, careers, faith and so much more. I am emotional just think-
ing about the lives they have impacted through their acts of service,
whether during work hours or volunteer hours.
Today, I am reminded life is short and it’s important to spend
time doing something that brings you joy. Juan and Mercedes He-
redia have dedicated countless hours to serving families. Their life’s
purpose has been nurtured by following their passions. Together they
help bring closure to families in need of peace.
We are thankful for the leaders in our community who have
helped countless people grow in
their personal and professional
lives. This month we also re�ect
on the priceless legacy of four gen-
tlemen who left us way too soon.
They were great leaders and ded-
icated community advocates. Let’s
spread positivity like Andy Prokop;
let’s be passionate about life like
Wayne Craig; let’s be committed
to literacy and education like Don
Shalvey; and let’s give back like
Darrell Drummond. These cool dudes were committed to making our
community a better place day by day and for that I AM THANKFUL to
have had the opportunity to know them.
Let’s all take a little time to thank the gentlemen that we en-
counter throughout the day. The one who holds the doors open for you
or that young dad who’s playing catch with their kid. I am amazed at
how one random act of kindness can change the trajectory of a per-
son’s day.
A little heartfelt moment to share: a few weeks ago, my dad ran-
domly surprised me with a bucket full of beautiful cut roses from his
garden. I am a sucker for pretty �owers, and despite them stirring up
allergies, I love having fresh cut �owers. Thank you, Dad!
10
C O N T E N T S
W E L C O M E
Dedication
15
I N S P I R AT I O N S
Juan Heredia: A Call to Serve
20
M O T H E R ' S P E R S P E C T I V E
Summertime Safety
22
S C E N E A N D B E S E E N
Hospice Tea
23
C O M M U N I T Y S P O T L I G H T
Podesto's Market & Deli: New Owners Committed to
Value, Quality and Community
26
R E C I P E
Flag Salad
28
C O M M U N I T Y S P O T L I G H T
Appelation Lodi - Wine & Roses Resort and Spa: Chef
Charlie Palmer Reimagines Beloved Resort
30
I L O V E M Y C O M M U N I T Y
Joel Reyna
34
C O M M U N I T Y S P O T L I G H T
Joe Hassan
36
S C E N E A N D B E S E E N
Philanthropy Summit
38
C O M M U N I T Y S P O T L I G H T
A Tribute to Legends
44
M E N ' S H E A L T H
Men and Mental Health
46
S I LV E R L I N I N G S
Don't Get in a Pickle With Pickleball!
48
S C E N E A N D B E S E E N
Lodi Boys and Girls Club
49
S P A R K J O Y
Chase Garner: Bicycle Repair Entrepreneur
50
L O O K I N G B A C K
Baseball History: The Murders Row Exhibition Game
52
S C E N E A N D D B E S E E N
Cool Cats & Barking Dogs
53
W A G T A L E S
Marty McFly: Crime-Fighting Canine
58
C A L E N D A R
Celebrate Community Events
15
I N S P I R AT I O N S
Juan Heredia: A Call to Serve
"In those silent waters, it's not me searching. It's God's love reaching
through me to bring His children home." That’s how certi�ed diving
instructor Juan Heredia describes his mission to recover loved ones lost
to the water and to teach water safety.
44
M E N ' S H E A L T H
50
L O O K I N G B A C K
53
W A G T A L E S
28
C O M M U N I T Y S P O T L I G H T