Practicing random acts of kindness
Easter Sunday was the first-time hubby and I were able to attend an inperson worship service in more than two years. We met friends at their church, and after the service was over decided to go to Jensen’s Restaurant (code “Truck Stop”) on Lovers Lane/ukiah for Easter dinner.
Co-owner Georgia Levantis dropped by our table to visit (her hubby, Zack, wasn’t in). They, like so many restaurants (and other businesses) have struggled to keep going through all the COVID mess.
However, that didn’t stop her from benefiting a mutual friend who — when she learned he may be dying and pretty much can only eat soup — gifted an abundant amount of their wonderful minestrone soup to take to him.
Established in 1940, Jensen’s Restaurant was established near the time of the Ukiah lumber boom of the late 1940s and continues to be a stopping place for visitors to the surrounding coastal redwood forests.
Open currently from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., this eatery holds nostalgic memories for people who’ve been going there for decades. Warren Sawyers (cousin to the Warren Sawyers in Willits) used to have a model train that ran on a track around the inside perimeter of the restaurant.
Kids and adults alike were fascinated and charmed by the train. Unfortunately, the train is no longer there.
Creating something new
Like cowboy code of old — when a man’s word was his bond — it took only a handshake, not a sheaf of paperwork and dozens of attorneys to seal an honorable “deal.” Matt Bogner and John Strangio grew up together in Ukiah and their “word” is their bond.
Matt approached John
Strangio and said he wanted to make a change and asked if John was interested in purchasing his two World Gyms.
“When Matt approached me, I took the proposal back to the other partners; they all agreed to proceed as it would be great for the community and members of both locations,” explained John.
“Deni Lee (my motherin-law) pretty much singlehandedly runs the show at our parent facility, Ukiah Valley Athletic Club (UVAC) at 3101 S. State St. When she says ‘yes,’ that’s a go! Deni schedules all the classes, and staff, she handles all membership questions, teaches swim from 4-month-old kids all the way up to masters swim, she is a group fit instructor and personal trainer.”
Matt and John sat down in the office and Matt wrote down two figures and John said, “sure.”
UVAC had originally planned a North State Street gym to open 24 hours. It was set up ready to go when COVID hit, and they weren’t able to open. So, when the opportunity came up to purchase Matt’s two existing World Gyms, it fit right into what the Strangios wanted to do but had not been able to do.
John said, “We will now be at what was formerly known as World Gym, recently owned by Matt Bogner.
We are going to be available for better workout equipment and locations. We want to provide the best service we can, so UVAC has expanded to include the former World Gyms.
“Matt has done a beautiful job with the World Gym. We are going to continue to have outdoor workout facilities at UVAC and the School Street location (590 S. School St., formerly known as World Gym, in the old Ukiah Daily Journal building). The School Street gym emphasizes functional strength, whereas the Main Street gym (formerly the old Mendo Lake Office Supply building) has more cardio, like UVAC. The School Street gym is open limited hours right now, but soon will go to 24 hours, like the Main Street gym (203 S. Main St.).
Sweet Art Event
Norcal Christian Ministries (NCCM) is hosting a “Sweet ART Event” on May 16 (1 to 4 p.m.) to celebrate their third anniversary. If you can’t join the celebration at 150 Luce Ave., Ukiah, the event will be livestreamed on their NCCM Facebook page. There will be lots of art on which to bid, as well as some sweet treats. The incredibly talented artist Kim Cavender is heading up the event.
If you would like to donate some art or a sweet treat, contact her at (707) 489-7205.
That didn’t stop her from benefiting a mutual friend who — when she learned he may be dying and pretty much can only eat soup — gifted an abundant amount of their wonderful minestrone soup to take to him.
Memories
Our son in Socal was at a local restaurant when spying right there, inside the restaurant, a 1967 VW Beetle Bug. Boy, did that bring memories. We bought our 1967 Bug in 1967. With tax, license, a radio (and an engine!) it was $2,300 out the door. Now it’s worth $27,000, if in top condition.
When our son was born and refused to sleep at night, we three would pile into the little VW and traverse the rough roads of Clovis, Calif. until he went to sleep. Ah, those were the simple days.